Edito
From Basel to Bombay
Art, creativity and innovation abound in this issue published for Baselworld, the biggest watch show on the planet, which will be celebrating it centenary next year.
2016 also marks one hundred years of Dadaism and its philosophy of challenging aesthetic norms from which a number of watchmakers draw inspiration without necessarily claiming adherence to the movement. Which of them will dare to introduce a special Dada series ? As far as I know, none of them has yet sought to occupy the “space-time” territory demystified just over a century ago by Einstein’s theory of relativity, and which has now been scientifically proven by (non-watchmaking) researchers. A missed opportunity ? A theme doubtless a bit too remote from the more down-to-earth concerns raised by the unpredictable economic climate.
The result is that watch brands are currently torn between the two extremes of recapturing simplicity and launching various UFOs into watchmaking orbit, as illustrated by the generous 40 or so new models presented (in some cases exclusively) in this edition with a 12th Art touch. The art of time measurement also sets the stage for classic arts, starting with architecture in the eponymous column and with painting in our photoshoot pervaded by a Swedish mood.
Intrinsically close to GMT’s preoccupations, innovation and its dedicated column teach us about the virtues of bronze and the double balance-spring – notably that of Breguet which continues effectively blending technological breakthroughs and classicism. And it does so through models for both men and women, as we describe in our cover story. So where does Bombay (now Mumbai) come into all this ? It is in fact the latest watch show created last year by passionate watchmaking professionals who have chosen GMT as the official magazine for the 2016 edition and hope to publish it in a regular Indian version. An ambassador of the 12th Art on the Silk Road augurs well for a wealth of fine new stories !
Brice Lechevalier - Chief Editor
