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Throwing it Back with Our Favorite Vintage-Inspired Watches from Baselworld 2018

The floor of Baselworld 2018 ticked and tocked with some of the most advanced, futuristic watches that money can buy, but there was also no shortage of the tried-and-true workhorses inspired by styles and models that have been serving their wearers for decades. Designers showcased the best of their best of their new creations at this industry-imperative event. Here are some of the vintage-inspired timepieces from Baselworld 2018 that caught our eye:

Breitling Super 8 Watch from Baselworld 2018

Breitling Navitimer Super 8

Many vintage timepieces are inspired by a similar, or even nearly identical piece from the designer’s history – not the Navitimer Super 8. This bold watch is based on the World War II-era Reference 637 stopwatch, which bombers and pilots would strap to their legs. This stopwatch featured a top crown for easy activation and was developed by Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department. It’s updated, wrist-worn counterpart features a 46mm case, the option of titanium or stainless steel, and the model pictured appropriately includes a brown NATO strap.

BR V1-92 Racing Bird Watch from Baselworld 2018

Bell & Ross Vintage BRV1-92 Racing Bird

Bell & Ross, known for their bold mix of practical and simplistic timepieces, takes us back with their new BRV1-92 Racing Bird. Switching it up from their usual absence of white faces, B&R’s limited 999-piece BRV1-92 Racing Bird Made a statement on the floor of Baselworld 2018 with its bold numerals, bare face and trendy 60s-inspired calfskin strap in navy blue with orange sides.

Omega Seamaster Small Seconds from Baselworld 2018

Omega Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds

Taken from their original Seamaster line manufactured for the servicemen of the British Ministry of Defense, the new Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds watch was a showcase of both Omega’s traditional styling and their futuristic technology. The 38mm case of this 70th-anniversary piece contains a Swiss-made, METAS-certified Omega movement with anti-magnetic properties for lasting, pinpoint accuracy. The Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds features a secondary dial at the six o’clock and a mix of bold numeral and greek key indicators.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Rose Gold from Baselworld 2018

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse in Rose Gold

Manufactured to commemorate their original 1968 Golden Ellipse, this larger-format version touts an elegant design that made it a standout piece at 2018’s Baselworld convention. With 18K gold stylings, hand-stitched alligator belt and a crown with an onset Onyx, Patek Philippe celebrated this heritage timepiece’s 50th birthday with understated luxury.

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All photographs courtesy of designers.

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Fashion Featured Technology

New Line of Luxury Watches Come to NYC World Trade Center in Longines Boutique

The NYC World Trade Center’s Oculus, designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava, is home to a cornucopia of upscale brands, including the likes of Dior and John Varvatos. Joining these and other fashion and upscale staples are a very special handful of luxury watches from the heritage timepiece manufacturer Longines.

Longines, who has been in business since 1832, has become one of the most prominent names in the luxury timepiece market by producing classic, Swiss technology-driven timepieces that deserve a place in every collection. Let’s take a look at some of Longines’ distinct luxury watches and collections that are now available in their NYC Westfield World Trade Center boutique:


Longines Luxury Watch Heritage 1940

Heritage Chronograph 1940

With some handy identifiers built right into the name, this historic, reissued luxury watch takes its inspiration from one of the Longines originals and features pink indices, a silver-tone dial and a timeless black alligator strap.

Longines Luxury Watch Master Collection

Master Collection

The Longines Master Collection is characterized by its elegance and approachable price point. Introducing new, blue-hued additions to their collection, Longines is bringing bold straps and faces to their already striking assortment of luxury watches.

Longines Luxury Watch VHP Collection

Conquest VHP Collection

In the midst of the heritage and tradition that comes along with the Longines’ name, a sporty model may seem miles away – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. With their Conquest VHP (Very High Precision) models, Longines offer a more athletic silhouette, which is accompanied by some of the sharpest timepiece tech out there, with a stunning accuracy of +/- 5 seconds per year.

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Fashion Featured Technology

Four Mid-Range Watches Your Collection Needs

When you’re ready to step up your watch game, but aren’t quite ready for the Rolex, the solution is our good friend: the mid-range watch. Mid-range watches grant us the style, craftsmanship and high-quality movements associated with high-dollar watches without the out-of-this-world price tag. Whether you’re upgrading from your tried-and-true Casio or simply want a nice watch and can’t justify the cost of a top-shelf timepiece, here are four of our favorite mid-range watches on the market right now:


Longines Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. Longines – L2.128.4.78.3

Heritage watchmaker Longines offers stylish, high-quality Swiss watches at approachable price points. They boast several collections, including the Master Collection, in which this model finds its home. This watch features painted Arabic numerals, blued steel hands and an elegant alligator strap that you can wear just as easily to the office as to a charity dinner. With automatic movement, water resistance to 30 meters and a scratch-resistant sapphire-crystal case, this is a timepiece that has plenty in the form and function departments.

SEVENFRIDAY Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. SEVENFRIDAY – M1/03

Launched in 2012, Swiss brand SEVENFRIDAY is catching up to its big brothers in the industry by offering unique timepieces that offer modern style with a retro feel. Their M1/03, strutting with its square shape and rounded, radial face, equates to a watch that stands out from the crowd. Rotating display discs, powder-printed numerals and subtle gold highlights set this watch apart, making it a timepiece to remember.

Rado Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. Rado – HyperChrome Automatic

Another young gun from Switzerland, Rado, launched in 2010 and features some of the most high-tech watchmaking processes out there. From their use of hardmetal to their unique process for refining and polishing ceramic, Rado is quickly making a name for itself among watch connoisseurs. Their HyperChrome Automatic watch combines some Rado’s greatest achievements, utilizing their high-tech ceramic finish and anti-reflective sapphire crystal to create a sleek mid-range watch that’s unmistakably modern.

Hamilton Men's Mid-Range Watch

  1. Hamilton – Khaki Field Officer Auto

Take a Swiss heart and put it into one of the Hell’s Angels – that’s Hamilton in a nutshell. This brand, boasting “American Spirit + Swiss Precision,” is taking the mid-range watch market by storm with its combination of classics, rugged military-inspired throwbacks and out-there designs. The Khaki Field Officer Auto features similar tech specs as the other watches on the list, with the exception of a heightened water resistance depth of up to 100 meters, in case you have to eject over water during a dogfight. This tough-looking classic, featuring the high-tech movements Switzerland is known for, embodies its brand entirely.

Photos courtesy of manufacturers

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Fashion

5 Men’s Timepieces for the Summer

cristiano

Image: Cristiano Ronaldo for Tag Heuer 2014 behing-the-scenes campaign

Being fashionably late may be a cultural norm of the 21st century, but when it comes to these watches, time is definitely of the essence. People often say that you can tell a man apart from another by looking at his shoes, his wallet and his watch; that accessory on your wrist does more than just tell the time. DOWNTOWN has picked 5 of the most stunning wristwatch models for summer. Perfect for the seaside, the city, and everywhere in between.

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1. Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887. Luxury is embodied in the form of polished steel with a sapphire case, complemented by a brown alligator strap. Quality and craftsmanship make this luxury piece the envy of the crowd. Available online at Tag Heuer.

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2. Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpagraphe Movement. This sleek number is made of 18-carat rose gold, and it’s adorned with a black alligator strap to ensure the utmost quality and craftsmanship. Available online at Parmigiani Fleurier.

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3. Ballon Bleu de Cartier. The pink gold finish of this watch’s blue steel exterior will catch anybody’s eye. Modern yet minimalist, this is a classic worth adding to your collection. Available online at Cartier.

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4. Panerai Radiomir 1940 Chronograph Oro Rosso. A timeless style men of all ages can sport. This watch features a personalized alligator strap as well as hour, minute and second hands. You’ll never miss out on a single moment. Available online at Panerai.

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5. Jaeger le Coultre Master Ultra Thin. This model from the brand’s beloved Master Ultra Thin line will turn heads with its refined character. The stainless steel version with a brown strap is equally stunning. Available from Jaeger le Coultre online.

– Aimee Aurol