The finest jewellery watches of 2018
Glowing gems, the use of precious metals, outstanding craftsmanship and innovative techniques make these beautiful creations of 2018 unique writes Hiren Kumar Bose
CARTIER Révélation d’une Panthère
The watch took 5 years to develop and holds 2 patents for the technology which allows the liquid suspension of over 900 golden beads. The movement of the gold beads across the 37mm 18-ct pink gold watch face within their sapphire crystal casing reveals the otherwise invisible Cartier panther motif. The motion of time itself is alluded to in the design of the piece, requiring the wearer to participate in the act of revealing the novelty of the design. The red and green dial watches are available in a limited edition of 100, whereas the black dial version has unlimited availability.
HARRY WINSTON Ultimate Marble Marquetry
The starburst motif serves as the inspiration for the glamorous Ultimate Marble Marquetry by Harry Winston. Juxtaposing exquisite blue sapphires and white diamonds in brilliant-, baguette- and pear-cut style on its case and bracelet, this vintage-inspired cocktail watch is crafted from platinum.
HUBLOT Big Bang Tourbillon High Jewellery
Set with 380 tapered baguette diamonds totalling 13.5 ct, all custom cut to fit on the dial, case, horns and bezel of this outstanding tourbillon. The red arc at 9 o’clock on the dial is a power reserve indicator – it has a five-day power reserve and comes with a bullet-resistant Karmaloog jacket made of crocodile leather.
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph
The gem-set version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is in 18-ct Everose gold with the bezel is set with a gradation of sapphires in rainbow hues. The case is adorned with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds set into the lugs and crown guard, and the dial features 11 baguette-cut sapphire hour markers, each of which matches the colour of the corresponding point on the bezel. The chronograph counters are in pink Gold Crystals, a material with a particular shimmer effect, created during the crystallization of a pink gold alloy by means of a special process developed by Rolex. The watch is waterproof to a depth of 100 m (330 feet).
OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra Jewellery
On the artistic dial of this divers’ watch stunning silvery guilloché waves are skilfully interspersed with waves in 18-ct Sedna gold, some of them paved with diamonds. They are topped off by twelve marquise-cut red rubies serving as hour-markers and a diamond-set bezel. With 191 diamonds on the dial this 38 mm gold-cased timepiece sports a diamond-paved bezel and 12 marquise-cut red rubies for indexes.
BULGARI Diva Finissima Minute Repeater
As a tribute to the 100-year anniversary of its first jewellery timepiece, this is world’s thinnest minute repeater movement in a ladies’ watch and chimes the time on demand. The grand complication is activated by the gem-set charm. The case and lugs are likewise set with diamonds. The dial is created using the ancient Japanese Urushi lacquer technique.
VAN CLEF & ARPELS ‘Pivoine Secret’
In a limited edition of one piece, the ‘Pivoine Secret’ watch with quartz movement designed in the image of the peony has a miniature dial paved with spessartite garnets that are hidden under the petal in the centre of the watch. The case is in white gold while the cover is made up of white gold, round diamonds, round spessartite garnets, leaves in white gold, round diamonds and round mint tourmalines. The 10mm dial is in yellow gold, round spessartite garnets, petals in white gold and round diamonds. The bracelet is in pink gold, round pink sapphires and round diamonds.
de GRISOGONO Allegra 25
The case forms an infinitely flowing circle with an endlessly woven gold ribbon. Powered by a quartz movement for improved comfort and accuracy, the watch comes in 41.7-mm-wide in either 18-ct pink gold or 18-ct white gold partially or fully set with white diamonds. Supremely self-confident in black and white, it exudes the contrast between black rhodium-plated white gold and black diamonds. The five pieces currently part of the Allegra 25 collection offers a range of variety in the number of diamonds and types of dials: from 113 white or black diamond-set cases to dials crafted in mother of pearl.
AUDEMARS PIGUET Ladies’ Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon
The 38.5mm case watch in 18-ct white gold openwork dial reveals the watch’s flying tourbillon and is set with 397 brilliant-cut diamonds and 174 baguette-cut diamonds. It’s the first Royal Oak Concept model for women and the first Audemars Piguet flying tourbillion.
LONGINES Record
Earlier available in stainless steel this year the brand has dressed up the Record collection by adding 18-ct rose gold and two-tone steel and 18-ct rose gold versions. There are also many size options to choose from, making them suitable for both men and women. A variety of dials, including diamond options, and a choice of several straps complete the expanded selection. The traditional elegance of the Record is combined with a modern, elite movement that is COSC-certified as a chronometer. The automatic calibre features a silicon balance spring, a lightweight material that is corrosion-resistant, anti-magnetic and unaffected by normal temperature variations and atmospheric pressure. Bestowed with a high degree of added value, these certified “chronometers” now join the ranks of truly exceptional timepieces.
