Baselworld 2016 kicks off this week, taking place in Switzerland from March 17—24. All this week and next Whitewall will be showcasing highlights from watchmakers and their newest and most novel timepieces. Next up are luxury pieces from Rado, Ulysse-Nardin, and Bell & Ross.
Rado
Rado added two new pieces to its True collection with its release of the True Open Heart. Available in black and white, this limited-edition is engineered for lightness, crafted from hypoallergenic high-tech ceramic, which adjusts to the wearer’s body temperature and weighs 25% less than steel with five times the strength. Translucent mother of pearl embellishes the dial, thinly veiling the machinery underneath like an aurora, offering a glimpse into the heart of the watch. Boasting an 80-hour power reserve and water resistance at up to 50 meters, this ethereal wristwatch is limited to 500 pieces in each color.
BR03-94 Desert Type. Courtesy of Bell & Ross.
Ulysse-Nardin
Swiss watchmaker Ulysse-Nardin unveiled a serpentine beauty at Baselworld: the Royal Python Skeleton Tourbillon. Snakeskin motifs distinguish this wristwatch, featuring twisting bridges garnished with ruby pinpoints and hand-painted scales to match the lush green python strap. A 44mm rose gold case encircles the transparent sapphire crystal dial, suspending the elegant yet powerful machinery in space. An incredible 170-hour power reserve allows this reptilian timepiece to keep time for up to a week before being rewound. Limited to only 18 pieces, the Royal Python Skeleton Tourbillon exhibits bold, untamed elegance through exquisite detail and originality.
Bell & Ross
French watch company Bell & Ross showcased durability, functionality, and craftsmanship with their most recent timepiece. Originally designed to serve air forces in warm climates, the BR03 Desert Type melts perfectly into a Saharan backdrop while adamantly resisting every force of nature it faces. Crafted from black ceramic, this wristwatch stands up to high temperatures and corrosive materials while simultaneously offering lightweight comfort. A beige calfskin strap matches the sand-colored dial, bearing stylish Arabic numerals with optimized legibility and photoluminescence for nighttime use. Anti-reflective sapphire glass guards against the sun, and 100 meters of water resistance offers protection against rare oasis encounters. Bell & Ross offers the choice between a 42mm or a 39mm case, and a chronograph variant is available, as well.
Baselworld 2016 takes place from March 17—24.
