Pierre Maillard, editor-in-chief: “It was a good start for the day, as I went to see Franc Vila first, and he energized me for the entire day. Franc Vila is a young Spaniard who used to be in biotechnology, then studied philosophy, then became a watch aficionado. He eventually decided he wanted to create his own brand, Franc Vila, designing a comprehensive collection of very high end watches, mixing different complications (tourbillon chronograph, perpetual calendar with minute repeater and so on). These watches have very strong designs, with the movements in special shapes. He mixes traditional values with very innovative designs and materials as well. For instance, he uses painted carbon fiber dials — this gives an incredible mixture that looks like high tech mother of pearl and because the watches are very thick, it gives an impression of 3-D. He is very creative and he has high voltage energy.”

Malcolm Lakin, managing editor: “There was this blonde...but we better leave that story for another day. However, Jean-Mairet & Gillman really impressed me. They have some very, very classical watches in precious metals and stainless steel, even a sports model with an orange rubber strap and an orange chrono dial.
”On the news front, a very important contract was signed between Peace Mark and Tourneau, the leading US retailer, forming a joint venture that will engage in the supply, wholesale, retail and distribution of luxury-brand timepieces to the high-end market in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau and Taiwan."

Keith W. Strandberg, contributing writer: "Big is beautiful at BaselWorld this year, probably more than any other year. Every company I am meeting with is introducing bigger sizes, including Patek Philippe! What used to be a pretty big size, 38mm, now looks smallish compared to the watches that are showing here at Basel. I had a meeting today with U-Boat Watch Company, a new company trying to make a splash, and their smallest watch is 45mm and the watches go up all the way to 55mm!
One of the biggest surprises for me today was my meeting at Citizen, where I saw their new Eco Drive Calibre 9000. It's a very good looking watch and it's part of Citizen's Calibre Series, an attempt by the brand to combine quartz technology with traditional watchmaking complications. I was very impressed with the functionality, the sound of the minute repeater and the very reasonable price. I know many in the watch industry will dismiss it simply because it's quartz, but Citizen faced a great deal of difficulty developing this watch and it deserves a second look.
It's Movado's 125th anniversary this year and they are introducing a slew of anniversary products, including a four watch set using antique pocket watch dial styles and colors, which retails for $100,000."