Unveiled during the Baselworld 2012 trade show, the hand-wound Cartier Tank Folle (ref. WJ306017) is a reincarnation of the (almost) legendary Cartier Crash from the late 1960s. Clearly influenced by Salvador Dali’s “liquid” clocks, the original watch was a morbid homage to one of Cartier of London senior managers who died (actually, was incinerated alive) in a car crash. His wristwatch was deformed by fire to a degree of melting and some other member of staff happened to be crazy enough to take the destroyed timekeeper as a source of inspiration. Now, eat your heart out, Stephen King.
For a Tiny Wrist: Louis Erard Excellence Chronograph
Presented in a slightly oversized (though almost impeccably proportionate) stainless steel body, the automatic Louis Erard Excellence Ladies Chronograph (ref. 82 234 SE 01) not only has its razor-thin bezel set with dozens of finely cut diamonds: It is also animated by a rare Swiss made caliber. The ultra-compact self-winding movement was designed by ETA to be used exclusively in watches designed with the better half of humanity in mind. In fact, the new timekeeper is one of the most elegant “ladies” chronographs set to be revealed at this year’s Baselworld show.
Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946
The 2012 Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946 chronograph is basically a refinished version of the 2011 D&S Grand Dome DT (ref. GDOM-ST-BKS-LS) model. However, the refreshed version features an even more appealing vintage-styled dial with almost the same set of vertically aligned sub-dials. While the original with its glossy and carbon-fiber-style surfaces was more high-tech, the new version has a certain Patek Philippe aura about it.
Tissot T-Race Danica Patrick Edition Chronograph
The quartz-powered Tissot T-Race Danica Patrick Limited Edition 2012 (ref. T048.217.27.016.00) chronograph is, as you have probably already guessed, named after Ms. Danica Sue Patrick, a well-known American auto racing driver that also happens to be a model, Tissot’s “brand ambassador,” and the only woman to win in the famous IndyCar Series. Being a limited edition model, the timekeeper will be offered in a total lot of 4999 pieces.
Aerowatch Les Grandes Classiques Venus 203
Each limited edition Aerowatch Les Grandes Classiques Venus 203 (Ref. A 93955 AA01) is powered by one of a few remaining hand-wound Venus 203 calibers that were produced more than sixty years ago in the 1950s. Founded in 1923 by P. Berret, J.B. Berret and O. Schmitz in a Swiss town of Moutier, the ebauche maker Fabrique d’Ebauches Venus S.A. seized to exist 43 years later in 1966. Although the brand was mostly known for their chronograph calibers (some of them were even supplied to Jaeger-LeCoultre and Breitling,) the caliber Venus 203 that combines moonphase complication with a full calendar has also become a highly sought-after item among serious collectors.
Glashutte Original Senator Observer in Stainless Steel
I somehow missed it last year when the German Manufacture has introduced its elegant Glashutte Original Senator Observer. Presented in white gold, it was as beautiful as it was expensive, so, for this year, the guys from the town of Glashütte decided to introduce a slightly more affordable version of the Observer in a finely crafted stainless steel body. Officially presented at Baselworld 2012, it was designated as ref. 100-14-05-02-04.