Cartier, Chanel, Chaumet, Piaget and Chopard: 5 best high jewellery watches to add sparkle to your wardrobe in 2021
Watches today go way beyond the mere function of telling the time, and these bejewelled timepieces bring it to the next dazzling level, combining aesthetics and practicality in one with crafted jewels decorating the watch dial. From Cartier’s SurNaturel High Jewellery Panthère Tropicale to Piaget’s Secret Cenote Cuff watch from their Wing of Light collection, and Chanel’s Les Eternelles L’Espirit du Lion timepiece adorned with yellow beryl, each watch doubles as a head-turning jewellery bracelet.
Other novelties include Chaumet’s Mirage secret watch where the timepiece is covered in layers of diamonds and sapphire, and Chopard’s Alpine Eagle Frozen wristwatch that evokes the blinding brightness of ice.
Here, STYLE picks five of the best timepieces that seamlessly blend refined artistry in jewel-setting with precision and functionality – the perfect starts to 2021.
Chanel
The Les Eternelles L’Esprit du Lion timepiece lies disguised beneath the striking visage of a lion, a yellow 37.41ct carved cut beryl. Crafted in 18 karat gold, the bracelet and dial are furnished with 541 brilliant-cut diamonds. Price upon request.
Chaumet
The sleek Mirage secret watch veils its dial under a white gold cover set with brilliant-cut diamonds and round sapphires. The dial features elegant blue feathers’ marquetry, crowned with one diamond index at 12 o’ clock and paired with an ivory satin strap. Price upon request.
Piaget
This timepiece, from the Wings of Light collection, nods to nature with a colour scheme that’s inspired by the blues and greens of the tropics. It is lavishly embellished with black opal and baguette-cut sapphires, and baguette- as well as brilliant-cut diamonds. Price upon request.
Chopard
The Alpine Eagle Frozen watch nods to the grandiosity of the Alps and the beauty of the eagle. The 36mm piece shines with ethical 18 karat white gold, and a bracelet and bezel fully set with diamonds, reminiscent of the snow glistening on Alpine peaks. Price upon request.
Cartier
The SurNaturel High Jewellery Panthère Tropicale pays homage to former creative director Jeanne Toussaint’s love of bold designs. Set in 18 karat yellow gold, two octagonal aquamarines totalling 12.71ct and two blue tourmalines weighing 20.58ct are graced by coral, onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds. Price upon request.
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One bears a lion of beryl, another is ice-cool as a circling eagle – these luxury timepieces draped in diamonds and other gems make a much stronger statement than simply telling the time