BASELWORLD 2017: OUR VISIT TO THE EVENT & NEW WATCH RELEASES ROUND UP

After getting the chance to handle each of the new timepieces, seeing their intricate design details up close, the team were able to narrow down their top 3 favourites – after much deliberation!

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, the new Sea-Dweller was undoubtedly the star of the collection for the Wakefields team. Described as ‘a legend among professional divers’ watches’ the new Sea-Dweller features a larger, 43mm case and the new calibre 3235, at the forefront of watchmaking technology and employed for the first time in a Rolex Professional category watch. To enhance the reading of the date, it is equipped also for the first time, with a cyclops lens on the crystal at 3 o’clock. The dial bears the name Sea-Dweller in red, a reference to the first model.

Following closely behind, the new Sky-Dweller, the brand’s classic watch for travellers, for the first time in a choice of yellow or white Rolesor versions – combining 904L steel and 18ct yellow or white gold. The dials now feature rectangular index hour markers and longer hands, as well as a Chromalight display with long-lasting luminescence, which enhances legibility. In particular Dominic Wakefield and Store Manager Tristan Davies, both agree that the white Rolesor version with the blue dial is a highly desirable design!

Finally, the new Cosmograph Daytona is a gem amidst the collections. Rolex is introducing three new versions of its Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18ct yellow, white or Everose gold. These versions are fitted on the innovative Oysterflex bracelet in elastomer reinforced with metal blade, and are equipped with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel, patented by Rolex, in black ceramic. Each of the 3 colours introduced at the event is incredibly striking and makes a wonderful addition to the 2017 collections.

After Rolex, it was straight over to Tudor to cast their eyes over the wonderful new additions to the brands’ collections.  In particular the Heritage Black Bay Chrono and Black Bay Steel caught the attention of the team.

Tudor’s new Black Bay Steel is an all-steel version of the famous Heritage Black Bay divers’ watch, whilst the Black Bay Chrono, is a first for the Black Bay family, as they welcome the first in-house Manufacture chronograph with self-winding movement, column wheel and vertical clutch. Both timepieces will be available to purchase with an additional fabric strap, catering to those who appreciate both style and functionality.

Timepieces aside, there were many gorgeous pieces of jewellery to feast the eyes upon too. The team were able to catch up with many of the stores’ fine jewellery suppliers, including Hans Krieger and Richard Hans Becker, both of whom were showcasing a selection of stunning diamond and gemstone jewellery in an array of captivating colours and designs.

Melanie also took the opportunity to search through the wonderful selection of pearls that Bays Pearls had to offer. In every shade imaginable with such captivating lustres, row upon row of pearls, loose and set in jewellery, in an array of sizes and styles were available to be chosen by hand. The team came away with a selection of pearl stud earrings, and a pair of loose baroque pearls, personally selected by Melanie to be made into the perfect pair of earrings for a customer.

After the hard work was all done, the team were able to enjoy the rest of the delights the event had to offer, before jetting back home.

An enjoyable and invaluable experience had by all, at Wakefields Jewellers, we can’t wait to be able to share with you the range of jewellery and timepieces personally selected by the team, once they arrive in store later this year.

If you’d like to register your interest in any of the pieces mentioned here in this blog, please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or email.

Alternatively for further information on any of the new Rolex timepieces unveiled at Baselworld 2017 follow this link here.