Bejewelled Beauties

OFTEN considered one of the highest expressions of a brand’s artistic flair and craftsmanship, lavish jewellery watches shine bright – literally and figuratively – with the most exceptional gem-setting, goldsmithing, rare decorative techniques, and more. Cartier Metiers d’Art Baignoire Allongee Since its launch in London in the 1960s, the Baignoire Allongee – with its trademark elongated curved case and dial – has transcended time and trends. This year, artisans from Cartier’s Maison des Metiers d’Art realised two new high jewellery versions, one of which is this model featuring an abstract motif created with the ancient and rare art of marquetry.

Mother-of-pearl, turquoise, onyx and white gold are first laser-cut into miniscule pieces before they’re artfully assembled like a jigsaw puzzle with a binocular microscope. This challenging marquetry work alone requires 25 hours of labour for each curved dial surface. On the bezel are diamonds, blue tourmalines, and grey and black spinels arranged in an inverted pavilion setting for added texture and contrast against the watch’s sensual curves. So complex is this particular setting that it increases the usual manufacturing time by 20 per cent. The 47 mm by 20.72 mm watch (price on application) is available in a limited series of 50 pieces and is equipped with the mechanical manual-winding Calibre 1917 MC. 

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-winding Jewellery Watch Known for understated watches inspired by those developed by Vacheron Constantin in the 1950s, the Patrimony collection welcomes its first jewellery watch. The 37 mm white-gold model (S$118,000) dazzles in 769 diamonds totalling 5.81 carats, including a single rose-cut diamond set on the crown. Even its slender case middle, lugs and bezel are entirely dressed in round diamonds. An interesting point to note is that each slightly domed snow-set dial of 420 diamonds is unique. This is because the laborious technique requires stones of varying diameters to be individually selected in order to cover as much metal on the dial as possible. The spectacular sparkle is complemented by slender hour-markers and dainty leaf-type hands in white gold. Powered by the self-winding Calibre 2460 SC/3 with a 40-hour power reserve, the watch comes with a pearlescent blue alligator leather strap that is easily interchangeable to suit any style, occasion or mood. 

Patek Philippe Gondolo Serata Reference 4962/200R-001 First launched in 2006, the Gondolo Serata is distinguished by sensual, Art Deco-inspired curves that offer a contemporary take on the evening watch. This uniquely shaped jewellery timepiece has been reimagined in a new rose gold version (S$53,600) with slightly larger dimensions of 28.6 mm by 40.85 mm as compared to the previous model from 2021. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the unexpected setting of 94 brilliant-cut spessartites arranged in a dual-colour gradient ranging from cognac tones at 12 and 6 o’clock to mandarin orange shades at 9 and 3 o’clock. This dark-light-dark transition accentuates the watch’s curved profile and mirrors the shape of the wrist. A second row of spessartites on the lower part of the case emphasises the timepiece’s asymmetrical curves. Created with contrasting matte and polished finishes, a floral motif adds a feminine flourish to the brown lacquered dial. Time is elegantly displayed by two Breguet rose-gold numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock and rose gold leaf-shaped hands. A chocolate brown calfskin strap with satin finish reflects the dial colour of this timepiece with the E15 quartz movement.

Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton Swathed in 586 diamonds and offered in white or rose gold, this openworked stunner is a contemporary twist of the hallmark Vanguard series. It boasts remarkably balanced proportions despite trading in the classic Vanguard’s oversized aesthetic for a slimmer profile. While the timepiece is available in a larger V 41 case size, ladies will be happy to know that this model marks the debut of V 37, a smaller case size measuring 37.1 mm by 45.1 mm (S$92,800). This statement iteration boasts softer curves that contrast against the Vanguard’s sporty design. A slimmer 9.1mm case meant a unique movement dedicated to the Vanguard Slim Skeleton had to be redesigned. The result is the Calibre MVT FM 708-SQ, an automatic winding system with a 60-hour power reserve.