Inside Basel/Geneva was bigger and better than ever this year, with twice as many participating brands compared with last year – as many as 28 independent watchmakers and brands at the shows. Attendance also set all-time records – more than 300 guests in New York. This report includes more than 30 images from the New York City and San Francisco events. Let’s see some watches!
Each event opened with what has grown into a true watch fair with an electric atmosphere. The selection of watches, the brand executives, and of course the enthusiasts and collectors made the IBG shows an unforgettable experience. You simply cannot see this selection of timepieces anyplace else – the breadth and diversity of watches, and personalities, is unparalleled. Best of all, the watches are not locked away in glass cases. Every piece is there for you to see, feel, experience, and try on. Guests also met and chatted with some of the world’s leading independent watchmakers, including Kari Voutilainen, Peter Speake-Marin, Roland Murphy and Romain Gauthier.
Following cocktails, it was off to dinner and noted collector Jeff Kingston’s presentation. Jeff covered the highlights from Baselworld, SIHH, and the Geneva Time Exhibition – more than 45 brands in all. The watches and their creators came to life through original still images and HD video shot at manufacturers and on location in Basel and Geneva. At the end of the evening, guests received gift bags from participating brands.
It was a great 2011. Thanks again to the guests and participating brands, and to WatchTime’s Wolfgang Blum and Amy Bernstein who devoted countless hours over many months organizing the shows. We’re already planning for 2012, and we can tell you that new prestige brands will be on hand. Stay tuned!
IBG 2011 exhibitors: A. Lange & Söhne, Antiquorum, Armin Strom, Blancpain, Breguet, Bulgari, Carl F. Bucherer, Cartier, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Hautlence, H. Moser & Cie., IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Kari Voutilainen, Ladoire, Laurent Ferrier, Montblanc, Panerai, Parmigiani, Peter Speake-Marin, Piaget, Rebellion, RGM, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Romain Gauthier, Vacheron Constantin, Zenith.
And now, some scenes from New York City. Each image may be enlarged with a click.
Roland Murphy (light gray suit) talks with guests.
Trying on a Kari Voutilainen watch is a rare experience. Doing it with Kari at your side – priceless.
WatchTime editor in chief Joe Thompson (left) with “the Father of WatchTime”, outgoing publisher Wolfgang Blum.
Every watch on display can be taken for a test drive.
Wrist shot.
Incoming WatchTime publisher Dominik Grau (left) with Joe Thompson and Montblanc’s Atissa Tadjadod.
Dinner and Jeff Kingston’s presentation get underway.
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