BURO Watch List: 5 Jewellery Watches That Give You the Best of Both Worlds

A well-crafted timepiece is capable of so much more than merely distinguishing day from night. It can be an extension of oneself. Throughout the decades, luxury houses have steadily infiltrated the exclusive club of high watchmaking with creations that advocate for self-expression. The application of precious gems, coupled with inventive designs, has opened up a whole new genre of watches—one that offers the most discerning wearers the best of both worlds. These jewellery watches exemplify the highest standard of craftsmanship, merging pizzazz and precision in perfect harmony.

BVLGARI

The legendary Serpenti has shed its skin countless times and somehow manages to surprise each time. The new Serpenti Aeterna can attest to this. Taking an ultra-modern approach, Bvlgari rids its serpent of artifice, leaving only its curvaceous form. Its signature hexagonal scales, however, remain present as they are etched along the watch’s inner contour. Bvlgari then embellishes the watch with diamonds, some of which in exaggerated proportions to create a three-dimensional effect.

CHANEL

Continuously pushing the boundary of watchmaking, Chanel has devised a hypnotic jewellery-watch hybrid where the brand inserted its watch into a yellow gold ring. The Lion of Mademoiselle Toi & Moi ring watch signifies Chanel Watchmaking Creation Studio paying homage to the house’s matriarch, Gabrielle Chanel, as it elevates the twin lions that decorate her apartment. The lions, standing perfectly symmetrical, guard the diamond-encrusted dial.

CARTIER

An icon that needs no introduction, the panther at Cartier once again leaps into the spotlight. The spellbinding Panthére jewellery watch seamlessly fits into the canon of untamed beauty. Here, the silhouette of the ferocious feline is expressed through its white gold body. The diamond-studded coat, onyx nose and spots, as well as emerald eyes further illustrate the vision. Capturing the feline in all its glory, the watch sculpts the movement of the panther as it lunges toward a delicate watch.

HERMÈS

Another brand that subverts the expectation of jewellery watches is Hermès. Throwing out the hefty rule book of watchmaking, the luxury house adopts the design of a breastpin for its Maillon Libre timepiece. The brooch watch, which reinterprets Hermès’ signature anchor chain link, boasts a rose gold body with terracotta tourmaline and diamonds. The watch doubles down on the theme of versatility as it transforms into a pendant via its leather cordlet.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

Taking a page out of couture’s book, Van Cleef & Arpels delivers a masterpiece with the Ruban Mystérieux high jewellery watch. The latest endeavour sees the storied maison extracting the delicacy of ribbon and injecting it into a timepiece as supple as it is sophisticated. Bringing into play dazzling diamonds as well as Mystery-Set sapphires and emeralds, the Ruban Mystérieux, unlike the others, stands apart with its hand-wound mechanical movement.

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