Baselworld 2017: Recap with Jamie Hayes
Another Baselworld in the books for Scott Meller and Jamie Hayes! If you couldn’t attend, get a sense of how the show went from Feldmar’s Operations Manager, Jamie Hayes, below!
What was your favorite brand exhibit/event this year and why?
This is a tough question to answer and I don’t think I would do Baselworld justice by selecting one single brand. One of the things I enjoy most about the fair, is that most brands do an amazing job of exhibiting and showcasing their latest watches. Whether it is a prestige brand, boutique brand, or entry level Basel with where they pull all the stops and shine.
Was there something you and Scott did at Basel this year that you hadn’t experienced before?
We attended a Grand Seiko event with the heads of Baselworld, The Japanese Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr. Honda, and the CEO of Seiko, Mr. Hattori. Mr. Hattori serenaded the group with song and surprisingly enough was the first person upon exit to thank his guests for attending.
Which timepiece were you impressed with the most and why?
I am becoming a big Grand Seiko fan. I find their tradition to be exactly what watchmaking is all about.
What timepiece trends did you see this year that you think watch lovers will be most excited for?
There was a great focus on utilizing a brand’s archives and issuing some great vintage inspired pieces.
What event do you and Scott love to catch each year and why?
The Breitling Party is always a “secretive” event that has to be experienced, opposed to being explained.
Describe this year’s Basel experience in one word.
Traditional.
