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April 7, 2008

Euro-phile: Dream watches at Baselworld '08

This week, the Stylephile is in Europe!
Switzerland's Baselworld watch fair is an horologist's wet dream, a yearly bling-fest and luncheon orgy that draws 2,000 fine watchmakers and jewelers from 45 countries all over the world. Only a few days in to Baselworld '08 (which runs through April 10), and the continuing trend toward watches-as-jewelry is evident. Breguet, (one of the oldest watchmaking establishments in the world) presented a stunning ladies' wristwatch on Day One (pictured, center), with a delicate sunflower face made from sea shells. Breguet also showed off an exact reproduction of a pocket watch made by Abraham Louis Breguet for ill-fated French monarch Marie Antoinette (pictured, left). Made from 18-carat gold, rock crystal and decorated with 63 jewels, the so-called "Breguet number 16 was, at the time, the most complex timepiece in the world. (Sadly, the young Queen was never able to enjoy her watch, as it was finished several years after she was beheaded.) Rolex presented its Rolex Oyster Datejust for women, with a swirly diamond face and smaller than usual face...only 34 mm. Next up at the fair: John Galliano's new jewelry line!
Jacques Duchêne, president of the Baselworld exhibitor's committee, said that 2008 promised to be "a year of glamour", despite the U.S. credit crunch. And he reminded watch lovers to practice caution when buying online, reporting a 30% rise in the number of websites selling fake luxury watches on the internet.
Yikes!

April 7, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink

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