Traditional watchmakers turn to precious gems for sparkling timepieces

The world of watchmaking, it seems, is being turned on its axis. As quickly as luxury brands traditionally rooted in jewellery are turning their attention to horology and acquiring partnerships with manufacturers to prove their worth in the industry, traditional watchmakers are demonstrating they can cast a bejewelled spell on timepieces with a cache of precious gems.

What this means for the consumer is an expertly executed array of designs that combine Swiss watchmaking and high jewellery in exquisite displays of originality.

Bulgari has a long history of dressing beautiful women in multicoloured gems and its new Diva collection of watches is a striking example of its mastery in devilishly glamorous creations.

Inspired in part by the glamorous women that have worn Bulgari jewels over the course of its history and in part a reference to its Roman origins, the collection interprets the mosaics of Roman baths in the brand’s typically flamboyant Italian style.

The four-piece set includes the Diva high jewellery watch in pink gold, adorned with coral, onyx and diamonds. Eight coral-set fans and eight onyx set fans are punctuated by rows of diamond claw settings fanning a snow-set diamond dial in a petal formation, while a succession of coral and onyx fans join the cuff to the case.

If ever there was a brand that could take bling to a new level of luxury and keep it tasteful, then Graff Diamonds surely is a contender.