Baselworld 2013 – Entrance to the Global Brands Hall 1.0 ©www.greenpebblesblog.com

There have been some pretty significant changes at Baselworld this year.

The new stands are greater, grander and more luxurious than ever, and the new policy to combine jewellery and watch brands in the same halls, and dividing them according to their reach makes much more sense and reflects the actual situation in the market.

Baselworld 2013

Swatch Group Stand with an imposing Omega at Baselworld 2013

The SWATCH Group stand which houses OMEGA amongst its other brands is so vast it could in our minds quite easily accomodate the inhabitants of an entire Swiss village.  It is the without an ounce of doubt an impressive construction which stands to represent the leading position of the group within the watch industry.

This superstructure imposes itself over many of the other brands, in particular Rolex which appeared somewhat obscured by the omnipotence of the Omega logo and stand (possibly a reflection of the sign of the times which have seen Omega catch up on its rival in an impressive form!).

Harry Winston Opus XIII image via Watchonista.com

Noticeable absentee from the Swatch Group ‘family’ was newly acquired Geneva watch brand HARRY WINSTON (which launched its Opus XIII) which was located on the upper floor of the building, but this was apparently due to the fact that it was too late to accomodate the new acquisition into the Swatch group stand.

HUBLOT‘s stand as always was an eye-catcher, (and loved as the queues stood testament to this!) and it was the perfect setting to introduce the MP05 La Ferrari, whose movements were designed to look like a 12 cc engine!

Swarovski’s new stand at Baselworld 2013 in Hall 1.1 ©www.greenpebblesblog.com

SWAROVSKI‘s new stand was simply breathtaking! Circular and immense, it reminded us of Rome’s Colosseum (aside from the thousands of sparkling crystals covering the entire stand) so we nick-named it the ‘Swarovski Frosted Colosseum‘.

Located in Hall 1.1 Global Brands the aim of the stand is to act as showcase for new products as well a fabulous welcome area for press and clients alike with press rooms, a rather plush lounge area with a catering team dedicated to serving champagne in champagne flutes with crystal filled stems and exquisite mini cakes.  (Watch this space for our exclusive interview with Swarovski CEO Robert Buchbauer)

Dior Stand at Baselworld 2013 ©www.greenpebblesblog.com

Hermès Stand Opening at Baselworld 2013 ©www.greenpebblesblog.com

Admittedly we were impressed by the BURBERRY stand which stood out for its ‘British Elegance’ which was the perfect setting for the presentation of THE BRITAIN.

Burberry Stand at Baselworld 2013 – Hall 1.1 ©www.greenpebblesblog.com

The International Brands Palace is once of our favorite areas of the Baselworld show as it is often dedicated to independent brands whose technologically advanced proposals in watchmaking generate a huge amount of interest particularly with investors looking for the ‘next big thing’!

International Brands Palace – Baselworld 2013

After the success of its H1 which saw it gain international recognition thanks to its ground breaking Hydro Mechanical Horology HYT were present this year introducing their H2 as well as diffent declinations of the H1.

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/zSOEW8PtDGE&source=uds

Geneva Independent Watch maker LAURENT FERRIER, a favorite particulary with the Asian market was also present at the show where it launched the latest development the Traveller Dual Time Zone Watch

Laurent Ferrier Traveller Dual Time Zone Watch

More to come……..