October 10th, 2022
Recently, many watch brands have warmed up to the fact that gemstones are one of the best ways to add beauty and value to luxury watches. It enhances the design dimension and incorporates great value into a watch, making it an investment timepiece which will fetch good returns when you sell your luxury watch.
When a brand plans to design a watch adorned with precious gemstones, they usually design a new gemstone-set watch or outfit an existing design with precious stones that create an elevated version of an already celebrated timepiece.
Over the years, several brands have eventually mastered the art of designing timepieces that combine exotic complications with noble metals and beautiful gemstones. While one of the biggest stars on the list is Rolex, other significant brands are crafting watches with excellent gem-setting.
Here’s a list of the top luxury watches that use the highest quality gemstones and look extravagant on the wrist.
The Patek Philippe Calatrava Moonphase Ref. 7121/ 200G-001 is a much-loved ladies' watch that hooks attention with its ethereal beauty and moon-phase indication. Patek Philippe equips the watch with a 33mm white gold case opposite an elegant blue dial hosting elements that sparkle like stars in the night sky. The sunburst dial looks playful with subtle light effects, and what illuminates the jewellery watch is the double row of 132 brilliant-cut diamonds adorned exclusively on the bezel.
The manufacturer has set the sparkling diamonds in the Dentelle style and mesmerises you when you look at the passing of time. You can also see the ticking of the smallest complicated movement, the 215 PS LU calibre, through the sapphire case back. The Pate Philippe Ref. 7121/ 200G-001 hosts the excellence of elegance and mechanics together.
Related: 7 Most Expensive and Rare Patek Philippe Watches to Collect
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. Q364247J combines a mysterious and romantic expression of the 2022 Rendez-Vous Dazzling Shooting Star theme. This watch literally comes to life on the wearer’s wrist, and the owner activates the complication by simply moving the wrist. The shooting star appears on the soothing blue dial randomly, almost by magic. The secret to this spectacle is the three superimposed discs in the dial centre that make the shooting star disappear and appear at a whim.
The JLC, Ref. Q364247J's design is an ode to Reverie. The diamond-set bezel of the timepiece, combined with the sparkle of the deep blue dial, provides the perfect backdrop for the shooting star display. The Maison has done the unthinkable by randomly capturing the unpredictable and rare celestial phenomenon across the middle of the dial. And the best part is that everything gets activated by the mere movement of the wrist! The Rendez-Vous Dazzling Star is truly fascinating.
Since its inception, Cartier has favoured the ladies and designed watches that cater to their tastes, needs, and style. Equipping all these attributes and much more, the Cartier Ref. WJPA0012 is a unique timepiece exuding elegance and power through its watch design. The Pasha stands out with its distinctive size of 35mm, which sits perfectly on women's smaller wrists. Coming in a glamorous 35mm rose gold case, the watch hosts the next step in aesthetic evolution with a clean silvered flinque dial and a bezel full of diamonds.
Forty-eight brilliant cut diamonds surround the bezel, and the fluted crown cap and sapphire-set crown enrich the appeal. All these elements are nicely held together with a vibrant purple/navy strap that the wearer can easily switch with Cartier’s easy ‘QuickSwitch’ interchangeability system.
Related: 5 Popular Cartier Watch Collections
Concerning feminine aesthetics, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Ref. 4305T/000G-B948 exudes an unmistakable charm. Watch enthusiasts appreciate the timepiece for the manufacturer’s ability and skill to demonstrate grand horological complications through notably ultra-thin versions. The watch’s 36.5mm white gold case, astonishing Mother of Pearl dial and bezel graced with shimmering diamonds look luxurious.
The Calibre 1120 QP displays the years, months, days, and dates on a four-year cycle, including a leap-year indicator. A moon-phase indicator at 6 o’clock perfects the calendar display. The Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4305T/000G-B948 upholds the brand’s prominent standard of watchmaking and finishing and enrols itself as one of the most prestigious complications enclosed in a compact form. Regardless of a big or small wrist, this watch is flat-out wearable.
For someone who loves clean lines and sophisticated architecture, the Audemars Piguet Ref. 15210OR.ZZ.D300VE.01 is the one. The brand expanded its Code 11.59 series with 2 stunning two-tone watches beautifully adorned with diamonds. Our pick is the Ref.15210OR.ZZ.D300VE.01 which flaunts a 41mm pink gold case paved entirely with 1.85 brilliant-cut diamonds. The continuous setting of the gemstones adds a classic feminine touch.
The 18ct pink gold dial features 6 different stone diameters, involving the smallest to the largest gemstones while moving from the centre towards the periphery. Additionally, the double-curved sapphire crystal creates a unique optical experience by magnifying the shine of the diamonds. The delicate pink gold-applied hour markers and hands are meticulously placed between the diamonds on the dial, making the timepiece more alive. Not to forget the elegant alligator strap in a pearly beige hue that completes the look.
Related: 5 of the Best Audemars Piguet Watches for Avid Watch Collectors
Rolex entails a different fan base in the watch world, the credit for which goes to its highly innovative and elegant watches. The brand has been a pioneer in crafting the most standout timepieces since its foundation, and the Datejust reflects its mastery. Aesthetically, the Datejust Ref. 126284RBR pleases immediately with its catchy olive-green palm motif and diamond-set dial. The complementing jubilee bracelet rightly amplifies the look and feel.
The Rolex Datejust Ref. 126284RBR fits in a 36mm white gold and steel body with the bezel uniformly decorated with dazzling diamonds. The distinctive olive-green dial has diamond-dot hour markers and gold hands. Coming fitted to an easily recognisable jubilee bracelet, this Datejust looks simple, uncluttered and exotic. It is easy to match this timepiece with any attire, and you can rest assured of making a statement.
Gem-setting is not new, and several watch brands have widely used this technique for decades. All the brands mentioned above have a masterful understanding of watch design and jewellery settings. This makes the timepieces even more compelling.
All diamond-set luxury watches are works of art. They are not just beautiful and luxurious but count as great investments as well. Many investors buy them intending to sell luxury watches at a higher value, which is true. The watch's value, coupled with the gemstones, will always secure a good price.
If you’re looking for one such exotic-looking timepiece, our selection of watches will surely appeal to you!
Also Read: 10 Iconic Vintage Rolex Watches Popular With Collectors
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