About Replica Watches in 2020
It’s the best time of the year. The show is coming up, and with this year’s releases gathering pace, it’s time to take a look at my sapphire crystal ball and make some predictions for the new model for 2020.
I think that we’ll see the rose and shield brand add to its thriving Black Bay stable this year. Not exactly a wild and unbelievable prediction, but I’m expecting some new variations of the BB dial. The Tudor has already dropped a teaser, suggesting a chance to triangular hour markers from the familiar rectangles that mark the Black Bay’s quarter hours – just as they did with their fake Rolex Submariners in the 1980s. I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw a new palette for the BB58 or a new dial color everywhere.
Baselworld was once the largest and worst watch fair in the world; however, the past couple of years have seen its exhibitor numbers slowly drop, and now with Swatch’s recent departure, the entire industry will be watching, with bated breath, to see what this year holds. It’s not all bad though, and for a large number of the industry’s press, fewer appointments mean more time to explore. I’m looking forward to the big events and certainly to more coverage of small and independent brands as they move to center stage and make it their moment to shine.
About fifty years ago, the flag was waved at the race to become the very first brand to offer an automatic chronograph. The Seiko launched the 6139, Zenith the El Primero, and together, Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton (Büren), and Dubois Dépraz co-developed and launched the “Chronomatic” Calibre 11. With this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, I’m fully expecting the release of a few complicated wrist timers.
I really like this model. Innovations like the Zenith Defy Lab’s silicon oscillator, Hublot’s mastery of case materials, and crazy-thin replica watches like Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo collection are exactly what I live for in this industry. I’ve got my fingers crossed for something incredible again this year.
Swatch is gone, and there are big changes ahead, and I don’t think anyone knows just what to expect when they arrive this year. In fact, it looks promising, however, and with the dates for the Basel fair running in concord with SIHH from next year. I dream to see just what the fair’s management will do with the Messe to mark the end of this era. There are some big holes to fill and I would love to see what collectors have done to make the whole hall better and easier to navigate and enjoy.
