The Best Gem-set Timepieces From Watches And Wonders 2024
Beautiful watches inside and out? Don’t mind if we do.
New complications and record-breaking engineering are always a treat to see at Watches and Wonders but nothing beats the dazzling watches dripping in precious gems. From the most brilliant diamonds to the most enchanting sapphires, we highlight some of the best gobsmacking timepieces that might just compel you to call your authorised dealer immediately.
CHANEL’S J12 X-RAY PINK EDITION
The Barbiecore train will never stop running and we are here for it. Pink has always been an honoured colour for Chanel, weaving its way into clothes, bags, jewellery and now watches. Out of the four special edition pink watches produced by the Maison’s watchmaking studio, the J12 X-ray stands out with 46 baguette-cut pink sapphires decorating the beige gold bezel and that plays harmoniously with the completely transparent light pink sapphire crystal case and bracelet.
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VACHERON CONSTANTIN’S GRAND LADY KALLA
Based on the original Kalla designed in the ‘80s, the newest rendition—Grand Lady Kalla—is a work of art that can be worn in four combinations. The timepiece comprising 57 emerald-cut diamonds can be attached to the sautoir necklace with a tassel featuring diamonds, Akoya and onyx pearls or a diamond bracelet. A bejewelled insert can be placed onto either the necklace or the bracelet to transform them into high jewellery.
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ LADY ARPELS JOUR ENCHANTÉ
This Maison sure knows how to bring magic onto the wrist. At Watches and Wonders 2024, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced a new watch to the Extraordinary Dials collection that highlights its superb craftsmanship through the métier d’art techniques of plique-à-jour and façonné enamel and the precise setting of diamonds, yellow sapphires, spessartite and turquoise to create an ethereal universe within a 41mm case.
Related article: EIC Kenneth Goh Reports On Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Grand Tour High Jewellery Collection From Rome
CHOPARD’S ALPINE EAGLE 41 XP FROZEN SUMMIT
This iced-out watch is truly something to behold. It takes the Maison’s finest craftsmen at least 800 hours to finish this Alpine Eagle reference as hundreds of diamonds must be recut to fit with one another on the case, dial, bezel and bracelet in white gold. However, the final product is an immaculate example powered by the new ultra-thin L.U.C 96.41-L that showcases Chopard’s jewelley and watchmaking prowess.
PATEK PHILIPPE’S AQUANAUT LUCE HAUTE JOAILLERIE
Let’s be real, receiving an Aquanaut is already impressive. Getting your hands on one that is bejewelled with 72 baguette-cut sapphires and 198 baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds is a dream come true and beyond. Of course, the smaller details such as the contrasting polished and satin-finishes of the white gold case, the blue varnished seconds hand and the dark blue composite strap highlight the incredible gem-setting even more.
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PIAGET’S AURA
In celebration of the Aura’s 35th anniversary, Piaget has released two unique timepieces with a stunning mix of rubies, pink sapphires and diamonds. The first features a beautiful gradient effect radiating from intense red at the bezel to a soft pink and then white on the bracelet. The other has a reversed look with a face of thin rubies that radiate from the centre of the dial—the deep red hues are intensified by the juxtaposing white diamonds on the case and strap.