This is the last in a series of posts that takes a look back at the world's biggest and most important watch show in 2011. Here's an overview of some of the timepiece trends that emerged in Baselworld this year.
- New materials more evident than ever before. Carbon, ceramics, bronze, and other unconventional materials are increasingly being found in new model introductions.
- A continuing return to dress watches. A number of new classic designs from the likes of Patek Philippe, Blancpain, Omega, Maurice LaCroix, and others signal a renewed interest in simple elegance.
- Smaller dials. There was a marked decline in the introduction of "giant watches," especially those 44 MM of larger. This seems to confirm last year's trend towards smaller dials.
I don’t understand why watchmakers feel the need to keep reaching for exotic metals. Keep it simple. There’s nothing that stainless steel can’t handle.