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The pandemic has split the Baselworld community in two, with long-term exhibitors announcing their departure from the exhibition. Here is a tribute to its glory days—five famous launches of 2017 that are still bestsellers. By Mitrajit Bhattacharya
1. CLAIR DE ROSE
TUDOR
In 2017, Tudor re-imagined the feminine Clair de Rose line in a refined and timeless manner. Available exclusively in steel with mechanical movements, the new models came in three sizes—26 mm, 30 mm, and 34 mm in diameter—and six designs. It presents opaline dials with delicate decorations in relief, punctuated with blue lacquered Roman numeralsor diamonds.
2. LADY-DATEJUST 28
ROLEX
The same year, Rolex introduced a 904L steel version of its classic Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust 28, as well as a white Rolesor version (combining 904L steel and 18K white gold) with a fluted or gem-set bezel in 18K white gold. These new versions were made available with a wide choice of dials. The new watches featured a 28 mm case and a new-generation mechanical movement, Calibre 2236. The oyster case made it waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. Its characteristic middle case is crafted from a solid block of 904L steel.
3. SUPEROCEAN HÉRITAGE II
BREITLING
Marking the 60th anniversary of the Superocean Héritage line in 2017, Breitling came up with a designed collection dedicated to modern explorers. The main development took the form of a new steel bezel with an ultra-hard, high-tech ceramic ring that is scratch-proof and shock-resistant. The unusual shape of the hands reinforces its ties with the iconic 1957 model. Available in two sizes (42 mm in pic).
4. PERPETUAL CALENDAR REF. 5320G
PATEK PHILIPPE
This one is a perpetual calendar for the wrist that has been crafted for eternity. It indicates months with 28, 30, and 31 days, and every four years, also recognises the 29th of February. The calibre 324 S Q features a large central rotor in 21K gold that delivers remarkable winding power. The lunar disc behind the analog date at six o’clock progresses with precision and requires a single-day correction every 122 years.
5. MILLE MIGLIA CLASSIC XL 90TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION
CHOPARD
The Mille Miglia race turned 90 in 2017. In its role as historical partner, Chopard celebrated by issuing this 90-piece limited edition watch. Attired in a rose gold case, this collector’s model recalls the elegance of the legendary cars that have competed in the fabled race—the curves of a Ferrari 250 GTO, the taut lines of an Alfa Romeo 6C, the sensuality of an Aston Martin, and the construction quality of a Porsche 550 RS.
Related: Celebrate Your Priceless Travel Moments With These Landmark Watches
Written By
Bayar Jain
Senior Content ManagerEquipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing ..Read More
