The 41st Baselworld watch fair

Opening on Thursday, Baselworld has moved from its regular early March slot to accommodate the final touches of a two-year multimillion Swiss franc refit. Central to the facelift is the new 95,000 square metre exhibition hall designed by Herzog & de Meuron, to accommodate the record 1,800 exhibitors, 3,300 journalists and 100,000 visitors over eight days.

Long regarded by watch industry insiders as something of a circus, the army of brand PRs, press people and launch parties that make up Baselworld can make the hype overwhelming.

Despite the blizzard of brand propaganda, it is possible to see some key trends emerging that will dictate watchmaking for not only 2013 but the next few years.

Due to the immensely technical nature of high-end watchmaking, trends take longer to manifest themselves than those in fashion. While colours, the cut, fit and popularity of certain items can vary from season to season, the basic trends are set in motion years before they are revealed at Baselworld.

Some overarching styles also change little from year to year as watchmakers cater to their most lucrative client base, which over the past decade has been China. And not only Chinese buyers on the mainland and in Hong Kong, but also those travelling to Europe and the US.

As at Baselworld 2012, more restrained case sizes and classically-styled dials catering to Chinese tastes are expected to be a driving trend for 2013.