Expert advice on watches and jewellery
Super glam, discreetly stylish or overtly ostentatious? There are many choices when it comes to buying a diamond watch. The first thing to decide is how much you want to spend. Styles can range from several thousand dollars to millions for a collector's item. Here are some of the things to consider before splurging.
Know your 4 Cs
When it comes to the diamonds on the watch, get to know the 4 Cs - carat, cut, clarity, and colour. Tim Bourne, International co-head of watches at Christie's, advises that all stones must come from the original factory of the watchmaker, with a certificate of authenticity. Always check the total carat weight and quality of the diamonds. For valuable pieces, it's paramount that the stones are of uniform size, flawless and colourless (D/E/F grade). Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet are some of the main creators of quality diamond watches. Be prepared to pay anything from $150,000 to several millions, depending on the quantity and size of the stones.
Sporty sparklers
At the other end of the spectrum are more casual sports watches accessorised with diamonds. When Technomarine introduced the Techno Diamond Collection in 1999, featuring diamonds on a watch with a plastic strap, it broke all the rules by mixing high-end with the casual. It was a bold master-stroke and started a trend in the industry. Now almost every watchmaker offers its own version.