BASELWORLD, held in Basel Switzerland, is an annual watchmakers and jewelers exhibition where over 100,000 buyers from all over the world descend to check out the coming year's new product. Literally hundreds of new watches are launched at the fair from dozens of manufacturers including big-hitters Rolex, Hublot, Breitling, Patek Phillipe, Tissot and Glashutte. We've assembled a gallery of the most notable releases in 2012, which includes the most innovative, most beautiful, most expensive and most ugly ... and the last two categories are embodied by the same watch!

The most obvious design trend was the rise of the two or three sub-dial chronograph - often in the context of a very classic and traditional face. There were also signs of the resurrection of yellow gold as a finish as opposed to the all-conquering rose gold coloration of recent years. Expect to see more of this as nostalgia for the 70s and 80s increases. In contrast there were several examples of the "steampunk" faux-retro style which shows no sign of disappearing. Enjoy the pictures.

Glashutte Original Senator Observer - 44 mm diameter. Steel

Louis Erard Excellence Moonphase Chronograph - 42 mm diameter. Steel

Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT - 44 mm diameter. Steel

Longines Column-Wheel MonoPusher Chronograph - Limited edition of 180 pieces. 40 mm diameter. Rose gold

Breguet Marine GM - 42 mm diameter in rose gold

Hublot "$5 MILLION" Watch - 44 mm diameter in white gold and 1282 diamonds. Ugly as hell!

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