At times, time takes a back seat to jaw-dropping beauty. For watches that capture attention effortlessly, few can rival the allure of gem-encrusted timepieces. Patek Philippe dazzles with the new Aquanaut Luce Haute Joaillerie ref 5268/461G-001. Its white gold frame is adorned with a lavish array of diamonds and blue sapphires in snow and baguette settings, while the dial features a chequered setting of gems reminiscent of the emblematic motif of the Aquanaut collection.
Adding to its allure, the rounded octagonal bezel showcases a gradient of baguette-cut sapphires, transitioning from light to dark blue. This exquisite play of hues extends to the integrated composite strap, now presented in a new dark blue shade.
Chopard’s sporty-chic Alpine Eagle collection welcomes a new model that perfectly straddles the brand’s watchmaking and jewellery heritage. The Alpine Eagle 41 XP Frozen Summit features an ethical white gold case, dial, bezel, crown, and bracelet, all adorned with hundreds of precision-cut baguette-cut diamonds, achieving a celestial aesthetic reminiscent of stars on glaciers. This stunning masterpiece houses the ultra-thin L.U.C 96.41-L movement, boasting automatic winding via a micro-rotor for a 65-hour power reserve.
Roger Dubuis goes beyond showcasing its horological prowess with the Excalibur Sunrise Double Tourbillon, seamlessly blending the brand’s tourbillon artistry with the radiant glow of 108 meticulously arranged baguette-cut garnets, spessartites, and yellow sapphires. Adorning the timepiece in a sunrise gradient, with 72 gemstones on the bezel, 27 on the astral signature, and nine on the flange, each gem is precisely cut and positioned to perfection.
Van Cleef & Arpels, renowned for its poignant and enchanting interpretation of time, unveils the breathtaking Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté, distinguished by three pending patents for its artistic techniques. In it, a graceful fairy gathers flowers under the morning sun, her delicate wings crafted from gold and pearly white plique-à-jour enamel. The scene unfolds against a turquoise sky, with the sun shimmering in spessartite garnets, sapphires, and diamonds. Using a lifted setting technique, the stones appear suspended like dewdrops, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere.
Amidst this backdrop, leaves in white gold and diamond-set plique-à-jour enamel intermingle with blooms in various hues. Enhanced by yellow sapphires, these floral motifs are rendered in relief using Van Cleef & Arpels’ innovative façonné enamel technique, evoking the illusion of an endless flower bed.
Vacheron Constantin’s Égérie – The Pleats of Time is the world’s first watch to combine fine watchmaking, haute couture, and perfumery. It features a strap designed by Chinese couturier Yiqing Yin to complement the watch’s aesthetic and sensory experience. Adorned with exquisite artistic embroidery, the strap also has mother-of-pearl shards inlaid between silk threads, creating a mesmerising texture and visual appeal.
The strap is further distinguished by the integration of a unique fragrance, specially created in collaboration with master perfumer Dominique Ropion. It is encapsulated within nanocapsules strategically embedded throughout the strap’s components, including the lining, loop, and embroidery. As the wearer moves, the fragrance is released gradually from the nanocapsules, imparting a subtle scent experience that evolves over time.
Chanel’s Musical Clock Couture Workshop, part of the Couture O’Clock capsule collection, is a remarkable fusion of artistry and innovation. It pays homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s maison and its couture legacy by combining elements of a music box, clock, and automaton.
Inspired by the ambience of the rue Cambon atelier, the piece choreographs couture busts to the melodies of My Woman by Al Bowlly, a favourite of Gabrielle’s. Reflecting the opulence of Chanel’s apartment, the creation features a diamond-adorned chandelier, a plinth reminiscent of the upholstered sofa, and gold embellishments. The movement is activated by a winding key attached to a diamond-studded gold chain necklace. This mechanism drives the display of time presented on a measuring tape.
