Best of Jewellery Watches
Hiren Kumar Bose cherry picks five jewellery watches showcased at Basel World 2019
BULGARI Serpenti Seduttori
A bold new interpretation of its serpent design, the32-38mm watch interprets the iconic drop-shaped watch case. Thinner than previous models the 18ct rose, yellow or white gold watch is set provocatively with diamonds on the side bezels. It has a sinewy new bracelet that is flexible, inspired by the original Serpenti watch, with links that mimic the shape of the case, and a serpent’s head. The crown is topped by a pink rubellite cabochon, a nod to Bulgari’s roots as a jeweller. There are several options, including rose, yellow, white gold and two diamond pavé options.
GUCCI Grip
A brand-new unisex watch line called Grip, the collection comprises four new quartz timepieces. Each one features a rounded square case with three windows, in which three white rotating disks indicate the hour, minute, and date respectively. One edition brings together a yellow gold PVD case and yellow gold PVD bracelet, both engraved with Gucci’s signature Interlocking G logo. Another variant is worked purely in steel for a sleek, modern look that combines easily with different outfits. Adding a sophisticated and luxurious touch of colour to the line, two further editions are offered with coloured calf leather straps: green with a steel case, or Bordeaux with a yellow gold PVD case.
GRAND SEIKO Automatic Caliber 9S27
Grand Seiko automatic calibre 9S27 strikes a delicate balance between high performance and slimness with a five watch series, with versions in both steel and in gold. Its performance is outstanding, with a precision rate of +8 to−3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 50 hours. These high levels of performance are delivered by an 8 beat movement that is just 19.4mm in diameter and 4.49mm in height, which allows the case to fit every wrist and each timepiece to have an elegantly slim profile. The latest Spron 610 alloy is used for the balance spring, the pallet fork and escapement wheel are made by MEMS engineering and each watch is put through a rigorous 17-day testing procedure. The cases are Zaratsu polished to give them the sparkle of quality that is the Grand Seiko signature, the seconds hand is made of steel that is “blued” by hand and the other two hands have a central hairline stripe and are razor-edged to ensure that they catch even the slightest ray of light and are easy to see.
CHOPARD Happy Sport Oval
The newest interpretation of the iconic Happy Sport (31.31 x 29 mm x 10.77 mm thick) has curvy oval proportions and a supple, updated version of the original galet (pebble) bracelet that adorned the first watch in the collection back in 1993. The bracelet is masterfully constructed using polished rounded pebble-like links, and while made of steel, it is as flexible as a knitted mesh. It thus follows the curves of the wrist. This combination of fine construction, along with the use of both steel and diamonds, makes the watch accessible and. In addition to the seven bezel-set diamonds dancing between sapphire crystals over the dial, there are diamonds set into the curved bezel of the stainless steel version.
CHANEL Boy Friend Tweed
Launched in 2015, Chanel’s Boy Friend wristwatch for women has been redesigned to feature a dial that looks like tweed. With an octagonal case, Chanel has shifted its attention to the dial, dressing it in tweed-patterned Grand Feu enamel. The selection of vibrant colour combinations — pink, red or blue — is enough to brighten up any outfit. It has an 18-ct beige gold case and bezel as well as an 18-ct beige gold crown and onyx cabochon. It has a coloured satin strap with an 18-ct beige gold buckle. The watch is driven by a hand-wound mechanical movement, displays hours and minutes, and is limited to 20 pieces.