The eight most spectacular new diamond watches, featuring hundreds of dazzling stones
Horological fashions may come and go but, when it comes to formal haute joaillerie, diamonds really are forever
12 May 2021 • 5:04am
Just like the stones that they showcase, white-diamond watches come in all shapes and sizes
Credit: Dan Matthews
Diamond-embellished timepieces come in all shapes and sizes, from those with a delicate sprinkling across a small, simple dial to fully-iced super complications. But what sets a diamond watch apart from one that just features diamonds?
The general consensus is that the timepiece must make the craftsmanship of gem-setting, at the very least, equal to its horological elements. And a house such as Cartier, whose high jewellery heritage needs no explanation, is more than up to the challenge. According to Pierre Rainero, Cartier s director of image, heritage and style, the brand is above all a jeweller and innovator - a sentiment reflected in the jewe
ALEXANDRA SHULMAN: Women, and in particular older women, have never been more visible in our world. But surely the time has come to lay the invisible woman to rest.
Speedmaster Moonwatch Master
Chronometer by Omega
Omega has launched standard-production Moonwatches with the brand’s Calibre 3861, which is Master Chronometer-certified, meaning the overall precision, performance and magnetic-resistance of each watch is improved. Like their predecessors, these Moonwatches are also certified for use in manned space flight, but they come with a narrower link bracelet that’s lighter and more comfortable. Other design elements, such as the asymmetrical case, step dial (where the minute markers are sunken lower than the main dial), double-bevel case back and iconic dots on the anodised aluminium bezel ring, take inspiration from the vintage Ref 105.012, which was worn by Apollo 11’s astronauts on the moon in 1969. Eight models are available, including versions in stainless steel and the brand’s trademarked Canopus or Sedna golds.
That nearly bespoke feel is due to a blend of over 80 notes and accords, from rich sandalwood and ylang-ylang to citrusy bergamot and orange blossom to a copious amount of specially sourced jasmine. The formula a guarded secret, of course also includes aldehydes, synthetic elements that add a heady
je ne sais quoi. They were cutting-edge when Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel introduced the scent in 1921. At the time, single-note floral scents dominated the market, so the mix itself broke the mold as the opposite of the era’s monotone florals.
“She wanted to make sure people would say, ‘You smell good,’ and not, ‘You smell like rose or jasmine,’ ” explains Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, Chanel’s head of global creative resources for fragrance and beauty, fine jewelry, and watches. “The only thing that counted was the woman.”
Our Jewellery Editor s top five pieces from Chanel s new No5-inspired high jewellery collection
The house has released its largest ever high jewellery collection in celebration of its signature perfume s centenary
5 May 2021 • 2:56pm
Chanel Blushing Sillage bracelet in pink gold with diamonds, rubies, spinels, garnets and yellow sapphires
The fifth of May is an auspicious date for the house of Chanel. The fifth day of the fifth month, it’s the date that Gabrielle Chanel chose to present her fashion collections. The designer’s lucky number also gained a place in history as the name of her first fragrance.
The story goes that perfumer Ernest Beaux presented her with several different samples, simply labelled with numbers, and it was the fifth concoction - with the addition of aldehyde - that she plumped for. Chanel No 5 celebrates its centenary this year, and as part of the year-long celebrations, the house today launched a new high jewellery collection inspired by the ico