FOR JEWELLERY LOVERS, there’s no reason why something used for telling time shouldn’t also be a canvas for precious stones.

From heavily gem-encrusted watches to gently bejewelled specimens, there are indeed options aplenty for those on the hunt for a sparkling timepiece.

Some, like those from Bulgari’s new Mediterranea collection, are practically three-dimensional works of art. Combining Italian imagination with Swiss watchmaking tradition, the new range of timepieces are sumptuous, one-of-a-kind creations.

Its Divas’ Dream Acquarium watch, for instance, is absolutely delightful. Under a cabochon-inspired dome, Bulgari had the gumption to recreate a miniaturised living aquarium. Atop a dial paved with degradé Paraiba tourmalines, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds are two fish. Each is carrying two pear-shaped stones – ruby and rubellite, and Paraiba tourmaline and sapphire.

Around them and set on tremblers are gem-encrusted corals, shells and stones. Finally, paved on the “scales” of the flexible white gold bracelet are Paraiba tourmalines, sapphires and diamonds, while the case back is hand-engraved with a dedicated marine drawing.

In short, there are so many lovely little details on this treasured piece, you almost forget it is meant to tell time.

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Coincidentally, another watch featuring a dome is Chanel’s Mademoiselle Privé Pique-Aiguilles Embroidery Motif watch. This timepiece, however, was inspired by the pincushion that Gabrielle Chanel wore on her wrist.

While its architecture is simple, the dial is oversized for presence and impact and set with 650 brilliant-cut diamonds surrounded by mini pearls of yellow gold. The case, crown and buckle are also set with diamonds, while a black matte grosgrain bracelet completes the watch. This piece stands out for its pure and distinctive design and size.

Staying with the clean but statement theme are Tiffany’s HardWear watches. These feature the house’s iconic HardWear gauge links as well as a cushion-shaped case and faceted sapphire crystal that evoke the shape of the legendary Tiffany Diamond.

A rose gold version with a black lacquer dial is set with 291 pave diamonds, mostly around its case. A less bling version we also love because of its Tiffany Blue lacquer dial comes in sterling silver and steel, and is lightly set with eight diamonds. These are contemporary watches perfect for taking you from day to night.

At Dior, a balance between refinement and simplicity is seen in its Gem Dior collection. Timepieces here play on graphic lines and organic abstraction arising from both a love of stones and of couture. Inspired by the colourful fabric swatches of Christian Dior’s couture collections, asymmetrically composed pieces of stones fit together like mineral strata. In one model, for instance, yellow gold is set with chrysoprase, lapis lazuli, malachite and diamonds.

For something elegant yet slightly quirky, go for Gucci’s G-Timeless Dancing Bees, which celebrates, well, bees. In a pink gold case set with diamonds sits a vibrant green opal dial and 12 moving golden bees which flutter and shimmer with the slightest movement of the wrist. A star-studded tourbillon within a diamond-set crescent at 12 o’clock and an alligator strap complete this beautiful timepiece.