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Benefits Of Buying Perrelet Turbine Skeleton Watch Replica Buying Guide


Perrelet Turbine Skeleton Watch Watch Releases

For 2015, the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton marks a return to some of the original reasons why the Turbine collection was so cool for a while. What you essentially have is a smaller version of the Turbine XL case (more on that below) with the entire rear part of the watch face missing. That means the dial “turbine” rotor spins around with a view of the naked mechanical movement inside of the watch behind it. The Perrelet Turbine Skeleton watch is like a peep show for movement lovers.

It was back in around 2009 that Perrelet Women’s Watch Price Replica first introduced the Turbine watch collection. The concept was dead simple, but also fun. The Perrelet Turbine watch dial was inspired by jet engines, and the turbine actually spins around as it is basically a second rotor on the dial – mechanically similar to the rotor in the automatic movement. The notion for this concept actually came from the fact the for a while, Perrelet’s trademark design was to have a rotor on both the rear of the movement and the dial. The original name of the Turbine watch was actually the Perrelet Double Rotor Turbine. In 2011, Perrelet revised the Turbine’s case design when they released the Turbine XL – that came in a 50mm-wide case versus the 43mm size of the original. While the 50mm wide case wasn’t produced for that long, the case design that came out of it stuck.

Perrelet Turbine Skeleton Watch Watch Releases

Over the years, the variety of Perrelet Turbine watches has been rather staggering, and the brand (for a short while) went on a bit of a “limited edition” run producing a lot of Turbine versions with special dials. Among the interesting Perrelet Turbine styles that we saw were the Turbine Chronograph (hands-on here) as well as the Turbine Pilot (hands-on here). The 2015 Perrelet Turbine Skeleton is perhaps the most “back to the basics” Turbine in a long time.

Perrelet Turbine Skeleton Watch Watch Releases
Clearly, the major attraction is the dial, and what is special about the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton is the “skeleton” part. Essentially, the dial has been eliminated (well at least the component right within the motion) and also the mechanism may been seen through the spinning turbine blades. When spinning fast, the visual effect is to see the movement readily, and if moving more slowly, the wearer can see a sign of this motion operating between the other elements of the dial. Yes, the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton concept is simple, but it’s actually quite satisfying as well.In addition to viewing the Perrelet caliber P-381 automated movement through the spinning blades, so you might observe that the motion is truth skeletonized. It may not have the precious decoration of a much higher-end movement (I feel the P-381 remains based on the Soprod A-10), but it does look rather cool and the effect is there. The good thing is that while this is totally a luxury watch, the price is on the lower end of everything you might suspect given comparable “novelty” sport watches out there. That said, I tend to feel with brands like Perrelet, shaving even more off the price is an excellent way to galvanize consumers – which is something these brands require a good deal of today.Despite the playful and busy nature of this Perrelet Turbine Skeleton dial, Perrelet proceeds to make sure that legibility is something high on their priority list. The palms have broad sections of luminant and the hour markers are amazingly bold given the overall theme of the dial.

Perrelet Turbine Skeleton Watch Watch Releases

While the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton retains the case shape of some of its larger cousins, it comes in at a reasonable 44mm (water resistant to 50 meters) wide among a few model styles and even has a new strap option for the Turbine collection. Inside the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton is the Perrelet caliber P-381 automatic movement (with a sapphire exhibition caseback) which is a base Soprod (both Soprod and Perrelet have the same parent companies). Note the special “fold out” crown which has always been a cool part of the Perrelet Turbine watch collection’s trademark design.

Like all other Turbine watches the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton has a jet engine style turbine that is weighted from the bottom and spins with the momentum of your wrist. The fast, fluid motion of the turbine creates a fun sense of visual interest on the watch. With the hands (and hour markers) highly visible and on top of the turbine dial rotor, this allows the watch to remain very legible. Its a fun concept that I think a lot of watch lovers can still get behind, even if you don’t need more than one Turbine in your collection.

Perrelet Turbine Skeleton Watch Watch Releases

Perrelet will offer the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton in three models, each with either a black rubber strap or the new Turbine black leather strap. The collection starts with the A1082/1 and the A1082/1A. These are the steel versions and represent the model number for the watch on the rubber strap and then the leather strap. Prices for these are $7,250 and $7,400. The A1081/1 and A1081/1A have black PVD-coated steel cases are and priced at $7,450 and $7,600. Finally there are the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton models A3038/1 and A3038/1A that have black PVD-coated steel cases and 18k rose gold bezels which are priced at $9,450 and $9,600. Compare that with the original price of the Turbine XL that was $6,500 and even less for the original Perrelet Turbine. perrelet.com

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Brand Men Watch PERRELET Replica Swiss Replica

Swiss Grade The 2010 Watch Buyer’s Holiday Gift Guide Replica Watches Young Professional


The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

So you want to buy a watch? Be it for yourself or as a gift to someone else, the following guide will help you this holiday season with a number of good choices, brands, and suggestions for various types of people. This guide is designed to lead you in the right direction when making a purchase decision. For each of the listed brands you’ll find just a single model as an example. That isn’t to say that the pictured models are the only good buying options in that brand. Plus, if you find that a pictured timepiece is out of your budget, there is a good change you’ll find lower costs watches that share the style. I try to list the best examples of the selections below.

Don’t see your favorite brand below or think you have a better choice? No need to fret, just add it below as a comment to this article.

You’ll also find a number of links below. Due to the crowded nature of this article, such links will point you to other articles or websites where you can get more information about the choices in this gift guide. With this list you are bound to make a number of people feel special this holiday season. Don’t forget to get yourself something nice as well.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

1. For The Happy Wallet (Under $1,000)

– Seiko Sportura Small Second Hand: Well-priced in Seiko’s popular auto racing themed watch collection. 43mm wide in steel with and easy to read with a look that will last. Japanese quartz movement. Ref. SRK025P1 and SRK023P1. Read more here. Priced at $495.

– Magrette Moana Pacific Diver: Affordable indy brand diver from New Zealand based Magrette. 44mm wide retro attractive 500 meter dive watch. Read more here. $485.

– Christopher Ward C9 Harrison GMT: Retro styled GMT watch with Swiss movement and conservative demeanor. 43mm wide in various styles. Read more here. Shown at $630.

– Jorg Gray JG9800-23: From the brand of watch on President Obama’s wrist comes this new sport model. Swiss quartz movement, 45mm wide steel case. Comes in various styles. Read more here. $795.

– LUM-TEC Automatic M39: Very popular brand with American made with Swiss mechanical movement. 44mm wide steel case, good looks, and proprietary luminant. Read more here. $795.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

2. For The Sensible Dad

– A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph: Beautiful luxury German chronograph with in-house made movement and timeless classic looks. Watch making at its finest. Read more here. $43,000.

– Limes Pharo Vollkalender Chronograph: Classy German watch with a machine engraved dial and Valjoux 7751 automatic chronograph and annual calendar with moon phase movement. Sensible in a 40.5mm wide steel case case. Silver tone or black dial. Read More here. $2,850.

– Swiss Army Airboss Mach 6 Chrono: High-end Swiss Army watch with a mechanical chronograph movement. Very look looking with an adventure style – good for the suit of the outdoors. Read more here. $1,795

– Carl F. Bucherer Patravi EvoTec DayDate: Using a unique in-house made CFA A1000 automatic movement, this is a well-made and appealing alternative to more traditional watches that still has a sensible look to it. Read more here. $15,500

– Frederique Constant Clear Vision Automatic: Swiss made watch with automatic movement in a 43mm wide steel case. Uses tritium gas tubes for easy darkness viewing. Read more here. $1,350.

It took nearly a decade for Perrelet Swiss Watch Replica to eventually put in a GMT to its collection of Turbine watches, leaving precious few corners in which the concept has not been applied. However, even with well more than a dozen options offered in both regular and restricted collections, it’s still quite a treat to observe that the “turbine” rotor spinning on the dial. This time round, however, being a watch grounded in Greenwich Mean Time, the rotor spins to reveal an engraving of the world, liberally adorned with wavy Côte de Genève lines — admittedly a fairly cool program, particularly since the map-inspired relief located on a lot of world timers or “traveler” watches tends to overwhelm the dial and impede legibility. However, the Perrelet Turbine GMT only reveals the map “via” the 10 spinning blades of the telescope — and they’ve got to be turning rather quickly for this to work.Though largely novel in theory, Perrelet believes its Turbine series still somewhat grounded in watchmaking lore — specifically, with respect to Abraham-Louis Perrelet, credited as inventing the automatic view in 1777, thus the date being featured prominently on Perrelet dials. The Perrelet Turbine simultaneously pays homage to the spinning rotor of Abraham’s radical innovation and into the age of jet travel by exhibiting a 2nd turbine-shaped rotor which openly spins over the dial up in synch with the rotor winding the watch. After all, is the connection to aviation a small tenuous? Maybe. Does the Perrelet of today have anything to do with the Perrelet from over 200 decades ago? Barely. But is the idea still pretty awesome? Definitely.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

3. For The Action Hero

– Sinn 900 Pilot S: Ultra durable German mechanical watch with chronograph and GMT complications. 44mm wide black coated tegimented steel case. Read more here. About $3,800.

– Anonimo D-Date II: Action mixed with some luxury. Italian Anonimo updates the D-Date with a sophisticated finish on the 43mm wide case and a gold bezel with more gold in the crown. Swiss day-date movement and a great alternative to Panerai. Read more here. About $6,800.

– Blancpain 500 Fathoms GMT: Limited edition of 500 pieces uber-diver from luxury Swiss watch brand. Torpedo styles hands in 48mm titanium case with in-house automatic GMT movement. Read more here. $26,900.

– Bremont Supermarine Descent: This limited edition version of the Supermarine 500 from English watch maker Bremont is coated in diamond like carbon (DLC), and features a number of “super watch” durability qualities. A great looking watch for all activities. Read more here. $5,450.

– Snyper One: Designed in the theme of a sniper rifle, this boutique Swiss brand makes luxury style watches that make you feel like a hero. 44mm wide steel with PVD coated case in a few styles and awesome looking dial. Don’t miss the optional “attachments.” Read More here. Starting at 7,390 Swiss Francs on their website.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

4. For The Gadget Guy

– Tissot T-Touch Expert Pilot: Swiss watch with touch screen activated multi-function, multi-sensor quartz movement. 44.4mm wide titanium case on leather or steel strap. Read more here. Seen here at $1,025.

– Louis Moinet Jules Verne Instrument: Coming in two versions, this high-end sci-fi steampunk watch features a creative design, and impressive craftsmanship in a large 46.5mm wide titanium and rose gold case. Read more here. Part of a limited edition and priced at about $18,900.

– Casio Pathfinder PAW-2000: An ultimate gadget watch. Tons of features and several sensors, light powered quartz movement with atomic clock synchronization and a duplex LCD. Read more here. Priced at $380.

– Luminox Evo Navy SEAL Colormark: Ultra light in a particularly tough polyurethane case that is about 44mm wide with a rotating diver’s bezel and available in several different dial colors. Swiss quartz movement. Tactical design and performance with always glowing tritium gas tubes on the dial for easy night viewing. Read more here. Priced at $295.

– Devon Tread 1: A watch with parts made by aviation suppliers. A complex ballet of motors and treads displays the time in a digital format on the skeletonized dial. The prize of a gadget guy’s collection. Read more here. Priced at  $15,000.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

5. For The Non-Conformist

-Artya Quadri-Rotor: From a collection of totally unique watches where only one of each type is made. Artya combines watch making with art, and this collection imbues a design with a intentionally defaced case and dial that uses electronic components in the design. Swiss mechanical movement inside. Read more here. About 6,900 Swiss Francs.

– RSW Outland 3H: Lots of versions and colors with RSW’s cool looking Outland case and a contemporary analog dial in the spirit of timepieces in the digital age. Different, fun, and simply to live with. Read more here. In steel from 1,695 – 1,945 Swiss Francs.

– Nubeo Acrtic Chrono: In mostly white or black Nubeo’s organic modern design is fully realized in this rare chronograph watch that is as much art as it is a tool. Not for everyone, but fans love the look. Read more here. Model ref. Nub0514 priced at $12,700.

Temption Cameo: Simple rectangular case with heaps of subtle design cues makes for an infinitely unique and wearable automatic watch from a boutique German brand. Read more here. About $2,000.

– Xemex Concept One Chronograph: Designer avant garde Swiss chronograph watch with a combo of minimalism and sport. Yellow or black dial. 3-hand version also available. Read more here. Priced at $995.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

6. For The Customizer

– Maurice de Mauriac Chronograph Modern: This Zurich based brand will assemble just about anything you like. The attractive and classic looking Chronograph Modern pilot style watch has three case sizes, and many options for dials, hands, straps, and even things like the crystal and elements of the movement. Fully custom creations are not out of the questions as well. Read more here. Priced from about $3,000 – $4,000.

– SARO-Gem BuonGusto 43 Jubile: With unique designs that are still traditional in demeanor, SARO-Gem offers fully customizable watches with not only tons of options, but with base parts that aren’t ordinary looking. The specialize in use of diamonds as well as special sapphire crystal coated metal bracelets. Read more here. Priced starting at about $5,000 – $6,000.

– RGM Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar: Made in America and highly traditional in in style, this represents one of the much higher-end hand-made pieces from Pennsylvania based RGM. Here in gold with a complex perpetual calendar. Watches like this are highly customizable and make to order. Read more here. Price at about $145,000.

[Update: July 8, 2014While we value the quality of their product, in light of recent events, aBlogtoWatch will no longer cover RGM products and cannot endorse RGM as a company. – Ed. ] What’s This?

Pita Oceana: Fantastic customizable and highly unique timepiece from a boutique watch brand in Barcelona, Spain. Comes in many versions with a ton of options – water resistant to an incredible 5000 meters.  Read more here. Prices start at around $4,400.

– MKII Stingray: This highly respected US based brand of military homage watches specializes in custom builds – but pre-made pieces are also available. Quality is very good for the price – a top pick among enthusiasts. Read more here. Seen at $599.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

7. For The Sporty Gal

– Chopard Happy Sport XL Blue Limited Edition: This really cool rendition of the Happy Sport shows why the collection is still highly relevant. Coming in a few wild versions (red, green, and blue), this large for ladies watch is 42mm wide in steel and sporty (with a Swiss quartz movement). Meaty, colorful hands, artful dials, and the  signature “floating diamonds” in the dial. Read more here. Priced at 5,590 euros.

– Hublot Big Bang Tutti Frutti Green: Also known as the “Big Apple,” this 41mm wide large women’s watch is in 18k rose gold with a fresh ring of tsavorite stones around the bezel and a great green demeanor. Swiss automatic chronograph movement and the classic Big Bang look. Read more here. Priced at $32,300.

– Perrelet Diamond Flower Ceramic: In an all white or black 40mm wide ceramic case, the Diamond Flower is pretty and fun. The lotus flower on the dial spins in concert with automatic rotor in the mechanical movement. Mother-of-pearl dial and various levels of diamond decoration.  Read more here. Priced between 4,650 – 8,400 euros.

– Chanel J12 38MM Black Ceramic Rose Gold: It is almost ubiquitous at this point, but there is a reason the J12 collection is so popular. Seen here in black ceramic with 18k rose gold in a 38mm wide case with a Swiss quartz movement. Elegant two-hand dial with diamond hour markers. Priced at $8,750.

Tutima Grand Classic Ladies Line: Vintage aviator spirit with a welcome modern optimistic feel to it. In a few styles, this is the 36.4mm wide ladies pilot watch from German-based Tutima. Here with a mother of pearl dial, but also available in black or brown.  Attractive, functional, and a decent value. Read more here. $1,300 – $1,400.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

8. For The Classy Gal

– Cartier Captivate: Elegantly simple, this 18k white gold formal watch comes in a few sizes and styles, and acts like a palette for the presentation of beautiful diamonds. The dial for the time is small with blued steel hands, and the watch design resembles the look of a chain link. Read more here. Priced starting at $22,100.

– Raymond Weil Tango Bicolor: Conservative and attractive with a price that isn’t out of this world for most people – a statement that actually sums up most Raymond Weil women’s watches. This Tango model has a two-tone 39mm case in steel and gold played steel. Stately dial and contains a Swiss quartz movements and come in various styles. Read  more here. Priced here at $895.

– Corum Romvlvs Lady: A rare women’s model in the Romulus line in 18k white gold and 31mm wide. Lovely deep blue mother of pearl dial with diamond hour markers and more diamonds on the bezel. Inside is a Swiss automatic movement. Read more here. Priced at $13,800.

– Piaget Possession: Delicate, timeless, feminine, and luxurious. This pretty much describes most Piaget women’s pieces that come from the brand known as much for beautiful jewelry as they are for high-end watches. Allow the good looks of this watch to grown on you. In an 18k white gold case dial a clean looking dial and a bezel lined with large diamonds – matched to a satin strap. Read more here. Ref. G0A35087 priced at $10,600.

– Montblanc Sport Lady Mini Diamonds: A feminine interpretation of the standard Sport collection in a more petite 34.5mm wide steel case and bracelet. Diamonds line the bezel and dial as hour markers. Various styles and colors are available. Swiss quartz movement. Read more here. Priced at $3,705.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

9. For The Deserving Son

– Tag Heuer Formula 1 Grande Date: Newly update, this classic collection from back in the 80s has matured rather than aged. Now 44mm wide with a great sporty style. This Grande Date version has a subsecond dial and big date indicator as part of the Swiss quartz movement. Read more here. About $850.

– Breitling Superocean II: One of the most modern looking Breitling watches around, this updated Superocean comes in a variety of colors in a very durable 42mm wide case. Youthful, the new Superocean is great for men entering adulthood or those who refuse to let their youth run adrift. Read more here. Priced between $2,695 – $3,085.

– IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000: You have here an attractive classic diver for the modern man. Difficult to find an easy to read white dialed timepiece, but this is one of them. In steel, the case is 44mm wide with 2000 meters of water resistance – a watch that can grown with you. Read more here. Priced at $5,400.

– Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster: It also comes in a “brighter” X-Lume variant. This “little space explorer” is a great watch from an American brand that uses Swiss movements. 41.5mm wide steel care with great styling and use of glowing tritium gas tubes. Read more here. Priced at 2,699.

– Fortis Space Leader Limited Edition: Created by Volkswagen Design and made by Fortis, this watch was released as a limited edition of 2012 pieces of the Swiss sci-fi movie “Cargo.” Spacey goodloks with Fortis quality. Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement in a steel and rubber 43mm wide case. Read more here. Priced at $4,975.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

10. For Those Who Live In The Past

– Breguet Type XX Aeronavale Limited Edition: Made in honor of the 50th anniversary of Breuget’s supply of Type XX to the French Naval Airforce and limited to 1,000 pieces. In steel and 39mm wide with a beautiful looking style straight out of the first half of the 20th century. Read more here. Priced at $9,200.

– Ernst Benz Chronosport 47mm: Coming in a few sizes, the Chronosport is the non chronograph version of the Chronoscope retro dialed timepiece. Easy to read, and reminiscent of vintage watch dials, Ernst Benz has a lot going for it with each piece coming in a number of styles. Swiss automatic movement. Read more here. Priced at $2,800.

Eterna Heritage Super KonTiki 1973 Limited Edition: A remake of a watch from the 1970s, this kick-ass Swiss diver reminds us of a another time and place. 44mm wide in steel with a mesh metal bracelet and fantastic retro professional look. Read more here. Limited to 1,973 watches and priced at $3,300.

– Oris Big Crown Chronograph: Part of the traditional sport watch styled “Big Crown” collection, the Chronograph is simple and straight forward coming in a few desirable styles. Functionally minded, this action themed retro timepiece lacks the stuffiness of other vintage pieces. In a 42-43mm steel case. Read more here. Priced between about $1,800 – $2,600.

– Chronoswiss Timemaster GMT: A slightly more modern interpretation of the nicely maintained retro aviator looks of the Timemaster. Case is 44mm wide in DLC coated (or brushed) steel. Swiss automatic chronograph movement with a GMT complication added to it.  Neat looking silvered (or black) dial with red accents. Read more here. Ref. CH 7537 G priced at $7,400.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

11. For The Guy Who Has It All (Price Of No Concern)

– F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souveraine: Probably the most expensive steel watch around and from a highly respected watch maker. 42mm with complex minute repeater and sonnerie movement that uses steel for the best quality audio around. Read more here. Priced at $625,000.

– Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical Watch: Incredible craftsmanship with old-world watchmaking and a totally avant garde design. Time told on spinning drums with tiny hand-made chain. Read more here. Priced here at about 325,000 Swiss Francs.

– MB&F Horological Machine No. 4: Aka “Thunderbolt,” the HM4 is the fourth major watch from the avant garde boutique luxury brand that celebrates the joy of the machine. In titanium with highly sophisticated sapphire crystal elements, this watch is something you’ll love to love. Read more here. $158,000.

– Christophe Claret Dual Tow: Time told on dual rubber belts in an incredible display case with a tourbillon and chronograph complication. Highly customizable and from the workshop of a top watch maker. Read more here. Priced between about $400,000 – $500,000.

Richard Mille RM 028 Diver: Ultra expensive cool RM 028 Diver is straight forward diver in Richard Mille skin. 47mm wide in a titanium case with a highly detailed skeletonized automatic movement. Read more here. Priced at $79,000.

The 2010 Watch Buyer's Holiday Gift Guide ABTW Editors' Lists

12. For You

– Rolex Submariner Ref 116610 LN/V / 97200: You know you want one. Not a “green” guy? – go with good old black for the dial. New for 2010 the all steel Rolex Submariner has a series of excellent upgrades that made previous models better suited to a drawer. Ceramic bezel, new case style, and its secret weapon – the “Glidelock” bracelet deployment. Read more here. About $7,800 in green.

– Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT SBGE001: It could be your only watch. Super high-tech, super cool Spring Drive movement with the time, date, power reserve indicator, and GMT hand, diver style case, sapphire bezel, amazing quality and high-value even at its price. An awesome underdog if you haven’t heard of Grand Seiko. Read more here. About $6,200.

– Porsche Design P’6310 Flat Six: Must be seen to be fully appreciated. Fantastic timeless look with the designer spirit that Porsche Design is known for. Here with metal bracelet, but a rubber strap is also available. Different dial styles also available as well as a chronograph version in a 44mm wide steel case with automatic Swiss movement. Read more here. $2,600.

Bell & Ross Vintage BR Heritage 123: A new classic. Great lines and a simple style that anyone can appreciate. 41mm wide steel case in black, with a Swiss automatic movement and vintage aviation instrument style dial. Read more here. $2,900.

Zenith Class Elite Moonphase Grand Date Classic: Straight forward classic watch from the brand that found its groove again. Reasonably prices with an in-house automatic movement. 40mm wide steel case with big date, subsidiary seconds, moon phase indicator, and machine engraved dial. Read more here. $6,600.

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Brand Men Watch PERRELET Replica Swiss Replica

Good Quality Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 Eta Movement Replica Watches


Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

The end of Baselworld is like coming down off a really brutal high. The intense energy of the show is only matched by how busy you are. Nights are filled with long European style dinners that take forever, but go by quickly as the conversation is engaging. Watch lovers can be themselves – this is our week. And even though the show is that long, you can only manage to see a fraction of the exhibiting brands. New things come at you around each corner, and items you’ve only seen as computer renderings come to life. The best part is by far the people; the gossip, the laughs, and thankfully this year — the optimism.

“More orders than last year” seems to be a sober but enthusiastic claim made across the board. Few brands leave without smiles on their faces, while the major brands are all celebrating due to increased sales in key markets. If retailers are buying watches then it means they have a pretty good reason to think they can sell them. It will still take a year or two before many US retailers return to Switzerland, and I am not sure the industry was able to anticipate the good times. Hopefully they last.

What Baselworld 2011 didn’t have was a lot of novelty. At first I wanted to write about how I was disappointed by the lack of new offerings, but perhaps I got spoiled after we had year after year of brands designing like mad. This year many brands focused on mere “line extensions,” or rather new versions of existing watches. Others had just single new watch to show, and no one wanted to admit their 2011 offerings were modest (I need new interrogation tactics). That wasn’t the case with everyone though. Strong brands like Hublot, Blancpain, Glashutte Original, Omega, Tissot, Jacob & Co., Corum, Patek Philippe, and Zenith all had substantial new things to show.

As new watches take a few years to develop, it is possible that what we are seeing is a side-effect of a few years of economic woes. I have a feeling things will pick up again in the next few years if good sales at least remain consistent. What trends did I see? Unlike the strong adherence to sober designs that I wrote about in my SIHH 2011 overview, Baselworld was certainly more edgy. While retro and classic designs are still in, they certainly aren’t the cornerstone of what 2011 is about. Retro-revivals seem to be mostly well thought-out save for a few pieces which will appeal to mostly collectors.

Color was a big thing, as brands look for innovative ways of getting people’s attention. I saw a lot of bold tones in watches both inexpensive and very high-end. There isn’t really a focus on any one color, but all colors seemed to be of interest to brands. I will however say that I saw a lot of blue colors – which is a bit unusual.

Aside from a few key brands that really love to dazzle with complications, watches that wow with engineering prowess were lacking. Not a lot of new movements, but those fresh movements you did see, felt impressive. All in all 2011, felt like one big build-up to 2012 – and what that means will take a year to find out.

Without further delay, here is my list of the top 11 watches for 2011, followed by noteworthy honorable mentions. These aren’t in a particular order, just the best 11 overall.

Corum Admiral’s Cup Legend 42

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Now that the Admiral’s Cup collection is an icon unto itself, Corum was able to offer a affordable version in a slimmer case that has the core shape of the line with a demeanor that is more business casual, versus boat deck chic.

Harry Winston Opus Eleven

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Really what else can I say that a mere glance doesn’t communicate? The movement in this watch boggles your mind, and even after you understand it, you want to see it again. Denis Giguet is now going to be a famous man round these parts for what he has done here. This watch totally stole the show.

Porsche Design Heritage Compass watch

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

The original was a quizzical watch for your Porsche driving weekend survivalist. Now over 30 years later Porsche Design re-visits the watch with an analog compass in the case, and builds it the way they wanted to originally.

Glashutte Original Seventies Panorama Date

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Loving this watch on my wrist was a big surprise as I wasn’t sure what to make of the retro gradient dial and TV screen shaped cased. GO makes a perfect steel casual watch for all occasions that is the right mix of interesting and sober.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5270

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Who thought black oxidized gold could make a watch look so special. Everything you love about Patek is here in a contemporary size and look that will have you selling off your record collection to afford one.

Hublot Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph Carbon Fiber

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

I am convinced Hublot never anticipated this, but their zealous use of high-tech carbon fiber helps improve a very traditional complication. Most minute repeaters in today’s watches are muted by gold and platinum metal cases that absorb sound. Carbon fiber doesn’t keep in the sound as much, but does keep the water out.

Citizen Satellite Eco-Drive

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Japanese technical innovations each year are more often than not the most useful. This watch gets signals from navigational satellites hovering over our planet to stay accurate in all parts of the world — a feature someday all quartz watches might have.

Originally, Perrelet’s dual automatic rotor watches functioned with a rotor on the dial of this watch in addition to on the base of the movement (as is true with most automatic movements). The double automatic rotor concept birthed the Perrelet Watches History Replica Turbine which was designed by Sebastien Perret (initially, at least) for its Perrelet brand.Perrelet did exactly what most firms with a hit product do, and that’s simply generate a series of versions and limited edition models across precisely the exact same theme. Perrelet kind of overdid it with Turbine versions, which combined with a poor economy took out lots of the brand’s momentum. What is strange is that despite Perrelet’s decent backing in the Festina Group, they are extremely silent from a marketing standpoint. Why is that important? Well, money into advertising is a very important part of earning any luxury brand successful today. It simply is not enough to have watches in shops anymore.I wrote more about the background of this Perrelet Turbine from the article I linked to above, so let’s get on with this hands-on adventure together with all the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton model. There are in fact six versions of it, and this particular model in steel with all the leather strap is called the benchmark A1081/1A. The circumstance is 44m wide, making it a sort of mid-range sized Perrelet Turbine model. You have lots of the traditional elements such as the PVD black-coated bezel and small “claws” on the bezel as well.The case also has a sort of concealed crown at 3 o’clock. It isn’t so much hidden, actually, as inset into the face of the circumstance. The crown has a tiny fold-out handle which you can use to manually wind the watch as well as pull out the crown to adjust the time. The smooth, graceful lines of the Perrelet Turbine case have always been fine, and I believe this timepiece collection nevertheless represents an appealing and distinctive appearance.

Zenith Stratos El Primero

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

It just looks great. Zenith’s new design ethos pays off with a sexy new sport watch with an El Primero heart. Beautiful comfort and detailing at a reasonable price.

Breuget Type XXI 3810 Titanium

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

This is your iconic high-style military aviator’s watch done in titanium with some fresh design features that seem to make a great watch look even better. Breguet re-affirms that it knows how to make a good sports watch — when they feel like it.

Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Automatic Chronograph

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

The lineage of the Moon Watch lives on in a more modern package with probably the best new mainstream movement of the 2011 show. Newly upped to 44.25mm in size, this Speedmaster keeps the core look we love, with a movement we all want to have.

Chronoswiss Balance

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Likely an underdog winner, the Chronoswiss Balance proves that symmetry is your friend. Traditional in design, the cultured look of the watch holds a refined retrograde seconds movement with chronograph. Chronoswiss hit a sweet spot between classic beauty with functional utility and legibility.

Honorable Mentions:

There can only be 11 in a Top 11 list. An honorable mention goes to the following pieces. The pieces below are all great as well. Some are in this list merely because they are not new enough (just new variants) or because they are still in a prototype phase. If you think other piece require honorable mention comment below.

Baselworld Best Watches: Top 11 For 2011 ABTW Editors' Lists

Also really great….

– Romain Jerome Octopus

– 4N Watch

– Casio G-Shock Collection

– Bremont BC-SOLO

Perrelet Watches Replica Seacraft Chronograph

– Ball 3000 Meter Diver

– Christophe Claret 21 Blackjack

– Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Chronograph

– Urwerk UR-202S

– Bulgari Serpenti

– Jacob & Co. Digital Ghost

– Loiseau 1f4

– Temption CGK205

– Hautlence HL2

– Seiko Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater