Spotlight’Tis The Season For Some Sparkle: Jewelled Watches For The Holidays

’Tis the season to be jolly! As Christmas beckons, followed by the end-of-the-year celebrations, it also indicates a time for bringing out the bling in you and shine bright like a diamond. Acknowledging the beauty of rarity and diversity, watchmakers conjure one-of-a-kind bejewelled timekeeping novelties for women (expectedly) and even for men who aren’t afraid to embrace a little extravagance. From fashion-forward trendsetters and unconventional designs, to high-end horological pieces from illustrious stalwarts, we present to you a handpicked selection of diamond watches that boast of a sky-high bling quotient (‘BQ’, if you will) and could even make for extremely thoughtful gifts.

A Dash Of Dazzle For Dapper Gentlemen

Hublot Big Bang Gold Blue Diamonds: Set with 36 diamonds, the polished 18K gold bezel occupies centre stage in the exceptionally bold Hublot Big Bang Gold Blue Diamonds. Meant for the debonair man, this 41mm timepiece sports a satin-finished and polished 18K gold case, which houses a blue sunray, satin-finished dial with central seconds, 30-minute and 12-hours chronograph sub-dials and a date window. Owing to the HUB4300 self-winding chronograph movement, one can rest assured of a 42-hour power reserve and 100m of water resistance.

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Chronodate: This Christmas, the cosmopolitan man can bring out his glitzy side with the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Chronodate, which is produced with one special ingredient: white magic. The 40mm steel case, set with 48 diamonds, packs in a white dial with a big date, hours, minutes and a small seconds sub-dials, and diamond-set hour markers—all in pleasing symmetry. Equipped with the CFB 1956 automatic movement, this watch ensures a power reserve of 42 hours and up to 50m of water resistance. The white Louisiana alligator leather strap accentuates the aesthetic values of this chronograph piece.

Omega Constellation Co-Axial: Bringing forth a ‘constellation’ of gold goodness for the man who isn’t shy to shine a little, the Omega Constellation Co-Axial comes out on top with a soaring ‘BQ’. Characterised by ‘griffes’, or claws, this Omega Constellation timepiece features an 18K white gold, diamond-paved dial, housed in a diamond-set bezel. The 38mm 18K white gold case, supported with the 18K white gold bracelet graces the wrist dramatically and distinctively. Powered by the automatic co-axial calibre 8401, visible through the transparent caseback, this watch offers water resistance up to 100m.

A Splash Of Sparkle For Sassy Ladies

Corum Golden Bridge Round 39: Finish 2018 with a bang with the red-hot Corum Golden Bridge—a piece that is sassy, sophisticated and utterly seductive. The 39mm 18K white gold case, bestowed with 76 full-cut diamonds, gives a brilliant, open-worked view of the automatic CO 113 movement. The intricately designed dial encases a structure composed of 82 full-cut diamonds, the flange set with 60 full-cut diamonds and diamond-polished rhodium-plated baton hands. Offering a 40-hour power reserve, this astounding timepiece fitted with a red alligator leather strap is water resistant up to 30m.

Ulysse Nardin Classic Jade: Brimming with seamless opulence, the 39mm Ulysse Nardin Classic Jade brings in a twist in the tale with ten diamonds in a delicate leaf-like swirling wave motif adorning the lower left quadrant on the mother-of-pearl dial. In addition to this, there are 76 diamonds set on the stunning bezel. This breath-taking timepiece runs on the self-winding UN-815 movement and offers 30m of water resistance. The satin blue leather strap lends femininity unconventionality.

Bulgari Lvcea: Go all out this holiday season with the automatic Bulgari Lvcea that makes a grand statement with the full-pavé three-hand dial, and brilliant-cut diamonds on its 18K white gold 33mm case and bracelet. Adding a tinge of colour to this lustrous timepiece is the 18K white gold crown set with a pink cabochon-cut stone and the bold, blue hands. This watch is water resistant to 50m.

Fossil Virginia: This quartz Fossil Virginia is embellished with gemstones in the bezel, dial as well as the bracelet. The dainty 30mm steel case, featuring a champagne-coloured three-hand dial, is secured by a resplendent silver-coloured bracelet. This watch offers 50m of water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Gems For Any Gender

La Grande Classique De Longines: This understated unisex Longines timepiece from the Elegance collection ushers in the razzmatazz with the 12 Top Wesselton diamond hour markers on the white mother-of-pearl dial housed in a red gold PVD-treated case, complemented by a matching bracelet. At 29mm, this piece is in keeping with the current craze of smaller watches for men, while the size is just perfect for women. Fitted with the L420 calibre, this 30m water-resistant timepiece promises opulence as well as technical prowess.

Michael Kors Access: This piece of affordable wearable technology by the American fashion house, Michael Kors, offers the option of customising the watch face according to one’s moods and personality, making it well suited for both sexes. Loaded with umpteen smart features such as activity monitor, Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, a touch screen, world time, and powered by the Android Wear™ operating system, it’s all wrapped up in a dazzling exterior, making this 44.5mm pavé smartwatch a true head-turner. As for the ‘BQ’ in this quartz timepiece, a sprinkling of gemstones has been added most tastefully on the grey dial as well as on the steel bracelet. Water resistant to 10m, this watch has an estimated battery life of up to two days, depending on the usage.