Value for quality is what everyone at the BaselWorld fair has been quoting, and we have to say that we concur. Still, it’s tough to select, based on the number of brands exhibiting at BaselWorld, to decide which are the best buys for the year, according to the budget that you have. We’ve broken it down for you. Here are our best picks so far. (Don’t miss our sneak peek, day 1 and day 2 coverage!)
1. Best pieces under S$20,000
We’ve heard hints and rumours of a high complication watch from TAG Heuer that will be appearing towards the end of the year, hitting this sweet spot. It’s something we’re definitely looking forward to, but in the meantime, we have Maurice Lacroix’s Masterpiece Gravity to look forward to. The new iteration of the watch has a guilloche dial and is encased in Powerlite but also available in stainless steel. At S$19,500, it’s a great price, with a unique movement. The ML 230 is the driving force behind this watch, and the large balance wheel on the dial side is lovely to admire.
2. Best pieces under S$15,000
TAG Heuer’s pre-Basel release of its vintage Carrera Heuer in yellow gold (a first for the company, by the way) is a prime offering by the brand looking to revive its icons of the brand. The Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 Glassbox is a really handsome, classic looking piece that’s modernised. At 39mm with a domed sapphire crystal dial, it’s really a beautiful example of TAG Heuer’s skill as a watchmaker both in the past and present. Just over $14,000, this is a very alluring offering from the brand.
3. Best pieces under S$10,000
Bulgari’s Diagono Magnesium is the highlight of the year in its range of men’s timepieces, both for its price and quality. Fitted with the Solotempo movement and a case design that’s always looked very handsome, the watch comes in groundbreaking magnesium that is mixed with other materials for greater durability and resilience. But there are a plethora of great choices here, to be fair. Tudor’s new North Flag series that bears its first in-house movement, the MT 5621, actually sits at the border of $$5,000, but design and quality make it a fair play for this category. But sitting at the top of this category is Rolex, with its new Oyster Perpetual at 39mm. With the fluted bezel and the Oyster bracelet, it feels like it’s the modern Air King. The steel case with gold-hued dial is just stunning, and at US$5,700, equipped with the standard 3132 calibre, is a great price offering from one of the best-known brands in the business. Frederique Constant‘s Manufacture Worldtimer is another great piece at attractive pricing and well, one of the most useful complications for frequent travellers. It’s hard to argue with that.
4. Best pieces under S$5,000
Definitely one of the most interesting pieces in this category is the BALL Watch Engineer II Green Berets, a titanium carbide, COSC-certified chronometer, that’s ultra-light and durable, at under S$3,000. That’s freaking amazing. But our heart this year lies with Hamilton’s Chrono Worldtimer. It’s quartz based, but it’s gonna keep you right on time all year round, anywhere you are.