Gucci timepieces & jewelry launched at BaselWorld 2012

As 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of Gucci Timepieces, the Bamboo collections crown this event with remarkable jewelry and watch lines specially designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini. Each piece is created individually – and as with the iconic Bamboo bag handles – is shaped and carved by hand from natural bamboo by skilled artisans.

Altogether, as a celebration of Gucci Timepieces 40th anniversary, this year the collections aim to leave a mark in  BaselWorld 2012 edition illustrating the unique heritage of Gucci Timepieces and Fashion watch making perfect combination of Italian design and Swiss savoir-faire. Among other collections presented at the BaselWorld stand are precious and silver versions of the Horsebit collection, the new Diamantissima line, G-Timeless Automatic Chronograph and women’s G-Gucci timepieces.

THE DIAMANTISSIMA COLLECTION

At the heart of the Gucci archives is the Diamante Canvas. Its distinctive crisscross pattern, which features small interconnecting dark brown diamonds on a tan background, was originally the debut signature print of this Florentine House. Created in the mid 1930s, the diamond pattern was first woven onto hemp and used on luggage as one of Gucci’s innovative solutions to prewar leather shortages.

The design’s crisscross configuration served as a precursor to the famous GG logo. Although featured throughout the 1950s, the Diamante Canvas was left largely unused until Creative Director Frida Giannini rediscovered the motif in the Gucci archives. The elegant and subtle design has now been incorporated into an exclusive yet contemporary Fine Jewelry line in three shades of gold, namely, yellow, white and pink.

The new additions to the Bamboo Jewelry Collections at BaselWorld 2012 include a bracelet in natural bamboo and sterling silver featuring bamboo tassels finished with foxtail chains with matching earrings, as well as a bamboo necklace with the distinctive Gucci Horsebit clasp adorned with bamboo wood on a sterling silver chain.

Gucci Diamantissima Collection

THE HORSEBIT COLLECTION

Emblematic of Gucci glamour, the Horsebit was introduced as a decorative element on handbags in the 1950s. Designed to recall the horse riding tradition in Florence’s high society, it has since evolved into the bold hardware on handbags and shoes, prints on canvas handbags and silks, watches and most recently, Fine Jewelry. Reworked by Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini in a contemporary style, the Horsebit takes on softly sensual shapes to become a jewelry collection.

A few of the Gucci Horsebit Collection rings

The bracelet was one of Frida’s first creations and the Horsebit motif was then developed into an extensive collection. Among the variants is the Horsebit Marina Chain Collection, a splendid marriage of two symbolic Gucci icons: the unique Marina Chain motif and the highly iconic Horsebit element. The result is an elegant range that combines the fluidity of the chain elements with the bold lines of the Horsebit hardware in 18kt gold.

On the first day of Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry at BaselWorld 2012, visitors of the booth and passers-by enjoyed the Artisan Corner, pleased to take a break during their busy day. Here a skilled Gucci artisan creates a Gucci timepiece in a special area of the stand. The demonstration shows the making of the Gucci 1921 and of the latest Bamboo Timepieces, starting from the case. Once the bezel is added to the case – by a special glue surface for the Gucci 1921, or by encasing the bamboo bezel for the Bamboo timepiece – then the bangle is added, by sewing and fitting (Gucci 1921 Timepiece), or simply fitting (Bamboo Timepiece) the half bracelet. Screws block the separate pieces where necessary. Visitors enjoyed this special moment of timepiece handcrafting.

The new Gucci Bamboo Collection necklace with the distinctive Gucci Horsebit clasp adorned with bamboo wood on a sterling silver chain.

BAMBOO COLLECTION

Gucci is pleased to introduce a new style for the Bamboo timepiece, designed by creative director Frida Giannini and crafted by skilled artisans from natural bamboo and stainless steel.

Each timepiece is created individually, and as with the iconic Bamboo bag handles, each piece of bamboo is shaped and carved by hand before becoming a key element in this latest Gucci timepiece creation.

The latest Bamboo timepiece for women has a round case and is available in three variants: with a black, brown or silver sun-brushed dial. Bamboo is inlaid around the bezel and is also on the bracelet, which also includes the Gucci Horsebit motif on the clasp and bracelet links. The dial of the new Bamboo timepiece displays the ‘Gucci’ logo at 12 o’clock and the ‘Swiss Made’ stamp at six o’clock. Gently tapered hands complement a minimal set of indexes in a combination with Roman numerals and lines.

The three variants of the Gucci Bamboo Collection Ladies Watches

Gucci Bamboo Collection Jewelry

The major launch of the second day at the BaselWorld 2012 was the I-Gucci Sport XL Collection. The large timepiece is part of the first digital collection, which soon became a favorite among customers. This particular extension is distinguished by a large 49mm brushed steel and rubber case with four push-buttons, and a perforated rubber strap in three appealing colors, black, orange, and cobalt blue. The black version features a green-red-green web stripe embedded in the rubber strap. The display can be set to show two time-zones and the dial can be switched into analogue mode. This I-Gucci Sport also boasts a range of technical components, including a chronograph and dual chronograph, countdown timer, tachymeter, pedometer and a sailing function specifically designed for timing regattas.

THE I-GUCCI COLLECTION

The I-Gucci combines cutting-edge design with an unconventional fashion attitude. Its large, double layout digital display features a sleek face and multiple treatment frame, and is complemented by a broad, iconic rubber strap that underscores its sporty elegance. The result is a perfect combination of style and functionality.

The sporty i-Gucci Collection watches

Among the BaselWorld Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry launches, besides the appreciated Bamboo Timepiece Collection, the new G-Gucci PVD in pink and yellow PVD were warmly welcomed, as well as the G-Timeless Automatic Chronograph, and the G-Timeless Quartz XL.

The G-Gucci ladies' watches in pink and yellow PVD gold

THE G-TIMELESS COLLECTION

Modern and metropolitan, the G-Timeless collection offers a highly contemporary design. A variety of styles and variants are available from the smaller feminine sizes to unisex medium. The larger model, with its sporty rugged chronograph movement has an immediate and strongly masculine appeal. G-Timeless timepieces are available with stylish steel, leather or PVD bracelets. .–guccitimeless.com + photos

The G-Timeless Quartz XL with leather and steel bracelets

G-Timeless Collection men's watch

The G-Chrono watches in ceramic and white leather bracelets