7 Most Striking Jewelled Timepieces

Originally created in the late 16th century for women, jewelled watches were not always known for exceptional timekeeping. Crafted as ornate bracelets, usually replete with a ‘secret dial’, these ‘wristlets’ served as accessories since it was socially unacceptable for ladies to flaunt watches on their wrists. It was more of a prerogative of men, who carried pocket watches—a standard practice back then. However, with technical advancements in the horological landscape over the years, jewelled watches have also undergone a major evolution, and today, they are not just reserved for women but also find favour with men who love a little bling on their wrists. These masterpieces are born when the worlds of high jewellery and haute horlogerie come together—as embodied by this year’s new releases. Here’s our pick.

Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase Spring Blossom

The Égérie collection was launched in 2020, as an ode to fine watchmaking and haute couture. This year, Vacheron Constantin has taken inspiration from the beauty of springtime and launched the Égérie Moon Phase Spring Blossom—a resplendent timepiece crafted from 18-karat pink gold. The 37mm watch stands out for its pink mother-of-pearl dial complemented by a bezel set with 58 diamonds. The radiance is further enhanced by a sub-dial positioned between one and three o’clock, set within a pink-gold ring, adorned with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds. This corresponds to the winding crown, decorated with a moonstone. Limited to 100 pieces, the watch also features hand-painted miniature blossoms on the pink grosgrain fabric strap, fitted with a pink-gold buckle. It also comes with an additional shiny-pink leather strap—perfect to add a dash of cheer to any celebration.

Cartier- Myst de Cartier

Known as the ‘Watchmaker of Shapes’, French maison Cartier is the undoubted king of high jewellery, and with the new Myst de Cartier timepiece, the brand reinforces its commitment towards crafting watches that reflect its enduring relationship with haute joaillerie and horology. Inspired by the jewelled watches crafted by Cartier in the early 1930s, under the guidance of the trailblazing designer Jeanne Toussaint, the new piece stands out for its distinctive architecture and fluid movement. There is no clasp here; the strap adjusts itself according to the wrist of the wearer. The watch is available in two versions—one in white gold covered entirely with 986 brilliant-cut diamonds, and the other in yellow gold with black lacquer inserts, showcasing 634 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Jaeger-LeCoultre- Reverso One Hibiscus Rosa

There’s a reason why Jaeger-LeCoultre is known as the ‘Watchmaker of Watchmakers’. With decades of experience in crafting some of the most exquisite Swiss timepieces, the maison stands out for its mastery in blending haute horlogerie with high-jewellery artistry. Its latest bejewelled creation—the Reverso One Hibiscus Rosa—stands out for its generous use of sparkling precious stones, and traditional decorative techniques of Grand Feu and paillonne enamelling. Apart from the unique ‘flip’ case and Art Deco design—a signature element of the Reverso collection—the watch showcases a mother-of-pearl dial. When the 18-karat pink-gold case is flipped over, one can see the vast canvas of gem-setting with a total of 645 diamonds, requiring nearly 100 hours of patience and skill. Limited to 20 pieces only, the dazzling timekeeper is perfect to pair with your traditional attire.

Bvlgari- Serpenti Aeterna

Launched in 2024 to mark Bvlgari’s 140th anniversary, the sparkling Aeterna collection is an ode to the Italian maison’s rich legacy of exquisite craftsmanship and watchmaking know-how. The new Aeterna watch reimagines the traditional Serpenti design—the brand’s iconic model with a coiled bracelet, to give it a sleeker and more modern shape. It combines a bracelet-bangle form and is replete with an array of 122 colourful precious gems in different sizes and cuts such as round, brilliant, princess, pear, and oval. Crafted from rose gold with a dial that’s fully gem-set, this watch is the perfect marriage between technical mastery and stellar craftsmanship. The new Aeterna watch redefines timekeeping for the modern bride, who likes to make a statement with her unique choices.

Hublot- Big Bang Impact One Million

Known for its robust and bold designs, Hublot leaves no stone unturned when it comes to maximalism. And the new Big Bang Impact One Million follows the same philosophy. Crafted from 18-karat white gold, the 45mm timepiece is adorned with a total of 323 baguette-cut diamonds adorning the case and caseback, a bezel set with 72 baguette-cut diamonds, and a dial featuring 75 fancy-cut diamonds. Water-resistant to 30m, the complex watch is a result of hundreds of hours of setting and extensive research to determine the precise combination of shapes and sizes, ensuring the perfect alignment to suit the framework. It is presented on a black leather and runner strap, fitted with a folding clasp, set with 30 diamonds.

Chopard- L’Heure du Diamant

One of the names to reckon with in the fine jewellery segment, Chopard is known for its creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. With the new L’Heure du Diamant timepiece, the brand, once again, blends the sparkle of diamonds with technical precision in timekeeping. It features a cushion-shaped case, crafted from 18-karat ethical white gold, topped by a bezel encrusted with diamonds totalling 4.40 carats, in Chopard’s patented crown setting, which amplifies light penetration through each gemstone. The Onyx dial features four brilliant-cut diamonds as indexes at 12, three, six, and nine o’clock, and white-gold hour and minute hands—both set with diamonds as well. Even the crown is set with a briolette-cut diamond, ensuring the watch shines through and through.

Piaget- Sixtie Cuff Watch

The Sixtie collection is crafted for women who embrace timeless elegance and a sense of bold self-expression. This line of watches combines the worlds of fine jewellery and haute horlogerie—hallmarks of precision and artistry. The collection plays on geometry and reimagines the trapeze shape for the modern woman. It now comes in a more wearable cushion shape, presented on a cuff bracelet. Crafted in 18-karat rose gold, the watch is hand-engraved and features an opal dial. It uses the maison’s signature ‘Décor Palace’ technique, where the diamonds are arranged in concentric rings on the dial. This high jewellery creation is the perfect addition to your trousseau as it does more than just timekeeping.