Wristwatch Updates: Basel Updates, Rolex, Ulysse Nardin, & More!

Still more fun stuff coming in from Basel and elsewhere. This new Breguet is a stunner. (pic via Perpetuelle)

I LOVE the look of the new Explorer II w/ the black dial.

Incoming Rolex Explorer II v. Outgoing Explorer II Design Analysis and Comparison: "The incoming all-new 2011 Rolex Explorer 'Orange Hand' really is Night and Day compared to it outgoing predecessor as you can clearly see ..."

Basel 2011: Ulysse Nardin presents the new movement UN-118 - Ulysse Nardin: "Caliber 118 follows in the footsteps of Ulysse Nardin's Caliber 66/67 Sonata, the first timepiece conceived and manufactured in house and Anniversary Caliber 160, but takes innovation in movement technology a further giant step forward." (more from UN)

Basel 2011: Ulysse Nardin presents the "Alexander the Great": "The unconquerable hero of Greek history and symbol of strength inspires Ulysse Nardin's Alexander the Great Westminster Carillon Tourbillon Jaquemarts Minute Repeater, an exceptional timepiece that showcases the mastery of Ulysse Nardin watchmakers. Technically advanced, while keeping the storied tradition of mechanical watchmaking intact, the Alexander the Great Minute Repeater is as mighty as the warrior for whom it is named."

Nostalgia for a Golden Age of Elegance - NYTimes.com: "GENEVA — To celebrate the reintroduction of its Portofino collection of classic, gentlemanly wristwatches, the Swiss brand IWC Schaffhausen welcomed 900 guests in late January to a warehouse adjacent to the airport here."

Journe Brings It All Under One Roof - NYTimes.com: "Growing up in Marseilles, Mr. Journe was, by his own admission, an unruly student at the horology school he entered at age 14. Still, four years later he was working at his uncle’s watch-restoration workshop in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris and spending weekends handcrafting pocket watches."

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Titanium Liquidmetal - Perpetuelle: "The new Omega Planet Ocean Titanium & Liquidmetal – 45.5mm titanium case with Liquidmetal bezel. Movement is Omega’s Co-Axial Calibre 8500. Blue rubber strap. An absolute beauty. Look’s like Omega is not going to let Rolex entirely steal the show this year!"

Watch industry gets smartphones to keep wristwatches ticking: "BASEL, Switzerland - With the younger generation opting to use their smartphones to tell time, the watch-making industry is being forced to get smart and high-tech to recapture consumers."

Wow Watch Wednesday: Christophe Claret Blackjack 21 Watch (VIDEO): "If you find yourself in the enviable position of having a large amount of money taking up unnecessary space in your bank account, then this may just be the watch for you. Touted as a miniature casino for your wrist the all new Blackjack 21 watch from Christophe Claret has been designed with aficionados in mind and offers three classic games; dice, roulette and cards."

Watchscapes: High Resolution Photography by Peter Chong: Kari Voutilainen Observertoire: "Kari Voutilainen's simple time only watch...a la Dufour's Simplicity is the Observertoire. I had the oppportunity to photograph this masterpiece in Motiers in January, after the SIHH when I visited with some good friends."

Additional links:
AP: Watchmakers compete for the young, old and rich
Omega Speedmaster Pro Apollo XI 40th Anniversary Review
Collectors' Items Bring Spectacular Returns - NYTimes.com
For Watchmakers, the Trick Is Keeping Prices in Sync - NYTimes.com
Omega Basel 2011 so far ...