Perhaps no other timepiece stands out as brilliantly as a diamond watch. These objects of art not only track the time, but offer stunning beauty and keep a promise of value for generations to come.
The first diamond-dressed timepieces appeared in the 16th century, when gem setters and goldsmiths combined their crafts with that of clockmakers. Before long, the pocket watch was transformed into a glittering piece of jewelry, if not art. In early days, watch diamonds were generally round and prong-set on the case. As pocket clocks evolved into wristwatches, designs became more extravagant. In the early 1900s, diamonds and other gems began appearing on timepieces in greater detail. The jeweled wristwatch would never again go out of style.
Today’s watchmakers offer sensational diamond watches to suit any taste, from pieces with just a few diamonds on the case (paired with metal or ceramic bracelets for a cool look), to those with diamonds adorning the dials and spilling onto bracelets for snowy delight and icy appeal.
From Gc, the Swiss-made Diver Chic watch ($1,650) is crafted of stainless steel and black ceramic. The bezel is set with 32 diamonds, and the watch features a black enamel mother-ofpearl dial. guess.com
From Charriol, this Rotonde watch ($8,190) is crafted in steel and features a diamond bezel with cascade bracelet and white mother-of-pearl dial with Roman numerals. It is set with 168 diamonds weighing 1.02 carats. E.B. Horn, 429 Washington St., 617-542- 3902; charriolusa.com
This elegant Montblanc Star Pluie D’Etoiles ($47,700) has a 36mm 18k white-gold case with a black mother-of-pearl dial meticulously set with 218 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds weighing 0.584 carats. It houses an automatic movement. Special order, Copley Place, 617-267-8700; montblanc.com
The 38mm all-diamond pavé David Yurman watch ($66,000) is crafted with a stainless-steel case with integrated cable. It features a white diamond- set bezel and lugs, and a blue sapphire cabochon crown. The dial is engraved white mother-of-pearl with applied Roman numerals and diamond markers. Copley Place, 617-236-8777; davidyurman.com
