Until now, most ladies timepieces have been quartz or simply sized-down mechanical men's watches, but women were a major focus for several brands at the show.

WSJ: New Luxury Watches From BaselWorld

Reports from the event suggest that it featured an impressive armada of more than 300 lavishly-apparelled vessels, and her leading barge contained a moving mechanical dragon -- complete with men dressed as monsters, casting fire towards the spectators on the riverbank.

CNN: British monarchy's long-lasting love affair with the sea

The growing awareness of World War I as a grotesque tragedy, where millions of young men were being slaughtered by the unprecedented force of new mechanical weapons, surely influenced Epstein's decision to ruthlessly alter his original idea.

WSJ: Masterpiece: Jacob Epstein's Prophesy