When I speak to experts in the world of horology, views are polarised when it comes to the aesthetic of diamond watches. For example Mitch Greenblatt (owner of online retailer Watchismo) isn’t that enamoured by their visual appearance. Wheras luxury goods expert Paul Godbold (publisher of Luxurious Magazine) is totally seduced by their shimmering charms. Up until very recently I would have sided with Mitch. This all changed when I tried on the spectacular Greubel Forsey Diamond Set Tourbillon 24. Here are five other visually dazzling examples of this genre.
Louis Moinet Stardance
Over the last year I have written about many of Louis Moinet’s fantastic watches including the Dragon Tourbillon, Tourbillon Mars and Astrolabe Tourbillon. All of these timepieces are highly complicated and designed for the male buyer. In contrast the Stardance has a much smaller diameter measuring 35.60mm and therefore should appeal to the female market. What makes this watch so enticing is the opulent baguette diamond set bezel and beautifully handcrafted mother of pearl dial. Beneath the exquisite façade lies a sophisticated self-winding movement developed in partnership with Swiss manufacturer Chronode.
Rebellion RE-1 Chronographe
There is absolutely no doubt that high-end watchmaker Rebellion produce amazing looking timepieces. Previously I have written an article about the T-1000 Time Machine and 540 Magnum Tourbillon. Recently the company produced a special edition of their RE-1 Chronographe for the Abu Dabi World Luxury Expo. What makes this version so appealing is the lavish diamond encrusted silhouette. In my opinion this adds a whole new dimension to the aesthetic of the timepiece. At the heart of the watch is a highly accomplished 27-jewel self-winding movement that oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
RJ Romain Jerome Moon Dust Chrono Red Mood set
When RJ Romain Jerome posted two versions of the same watch on Facebook they posed the question ‘set’ or ‘not set’? Surprisingly the readers were unanimous in their verdict and voted for ‘not set’. Although the Moon Dust Chrono Red Mood set isn’t my favourite model from the company I do really like the subtle use of diamonds in the composition. Ultimately I feel it perfectly contrasts with the array of other textures and materials. Other interesting features include an inset carbon fiber bezel, open worked hour minute hands and a superior hornback crocodile strap. Powering the watch is a Swiss made mechanical chronograph movement.
Bovet 1822 Amedeo Fleurier 46 Rising Star
With a history dating back well over 200 years Bovet 1822 is widely regarded as a watchmaker of distinction. A great example of their fine craftsmanship is the sublime Amedeo Fleurier 46 Rising Star. What makes this timepiece so sensational is the bezel set with 64 luxurious baguette diamonds. Another integral element of the design is the multi layered brown Guilloché dial, which displays hours, minutes, second, city indicator and two different time zones. Beneath the 46mm 5N red gold case lies a highly complicated tourbillon manual winding movement.
Richard Mille RM 26-01 Tourbillon Panda
Avant Garde watchmaker Richard Mille is normally associated with high performance timepieces for elite sportsmen. About a year ago I featured his RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal, which at 19 grams, is the worlds lightest mechanical watch. The RM 26-01 Tourbillon Panda has a much more opulent appearance and is garnished with diamonds and black sapphires. What makes this timepiece so extraordinary is the three-dimensional dial depicting a panda, sitting and eating bamboo leaves. At the heart of the watch is a mechanical manual winding tourbillon movement comprising 21-jewels and oscillating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
