The Magic City sparkles even brighter as watchmakers add their own particular shine with diamonds.
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These diamond-bedecked beauties don’t merely track time, they also offer breathtaking appeal that will have heads turning all over town this holiday season. On top of that, they tend to keep their value for generations to come, making them heirloom quality.
The first timepieces dressed in diamonds appeared in the 16th century and were most likely a reaction to John Calvin’s ban on jewelry. To save their trade, many gem-setters and goldsmiths combined their craft with that of clockmakers—as clocks were still allowed—and began adorning these instruments with elaborate diamond and gemstone detailing. Within a few years, the clock and pocket watch were transformed into pieces of beautiful, wearable art. Over time, these watches have become ever more extravagant, employing a host of different diamond settings, shapes, and fancy cuts. This season, your wrist can shine brighter than the lights along Lincoln Road.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:
1. Breguet used the ocean’s unique gems— Akoya pearls from Tahiti—for its magnificent multirow bracelet on this Reine de Naples watch ($267,200). The unusually shaped case is crafted in 18k white gold and set with 76 baguette diamonds weighing approximately 6.06 carats. Another 42 baguette diamonds weighing 2.77 carats form the inner chapter ring of this self-winding watch. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-866-1061
2. From Graff Diamonds, this Classic Butterfly watch (price on request) is meticulously set with 11.3 carats of diamonds on the dial and the case. At 12 and 6 o’clock, four fancy-cut pear-shaped diamonds form the likeness of a butterfly. A single emerald triangle—Graff’s signature—sits at 12 o’clock. The strap is black satin. Just 300 will be made. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-993-1212
3. From Chopard, this Classic Collection oval timepiece (price on request) is crafted in gold and features a dial ensconced in diamonds surrounding a mother-of-pearl center. The oval case and the bracelet are also bedecked in diamonds for a total weight of 9.11 carats. It houses a quartz movement. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-868-8626
