Watches – Page 2 – The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA)

Vacheron Constantin Heure Romantique Jewelry Watch With Diamonds

With more than 200 years of watchmaking expertise, Vacheron Constantin – the oldest, continually operating Swiss watch brand has a lot of archives to turn to for inspiration.

That is exactly what it did when the brand opted to release a new timepiece to its Heures Creatives collection.

Today, Vacheron Constantin unveils the highly sophisticated and somewhat dramatic new Heures Creatives Heure Romantique ladies’ watch.

With this new diamond-set 18 karat gold ultra feminine timepiece, Vacheron Constantin not only showcases its ability to embrace the past and translate it to today with ease, but also deftly demonstrates its watchmaking and gem-setting expertise.

Vacheron Constantin 2020 Heures Creatives Heure Romantique ladies’ watch — The Vacheron Constantin Heures Creatives Heure Romantique ladies’ watch was inspired by an archival … [+] © VACHERON CONSTANTIN

The new flower-shaped watch with great curves recalls the Art Nouveau era in its shape and its setting.

The watch boasts a striking black mother of pearl dial with beautiful striations and highly stylized Roman numerals within the arabesques.

It is meticulously set with diamond brilliants on the case, case sides, and leaf like lugs using a prong setting that was prevalent in the early 1920’s and ‘30’s and that is still relevant today.

In fact, the 18 karat white gold watch boasts a total of 104 diamonds set on two levels of the case for stunning appeal.

Even the white gold folding clasp and the crown are set with diamonds – for a total of 123 stones weighing 2.6 carats.

As if the diamonds and the meticulous setting which takes an artisan hundreds of hours to complete Vacheron Constantin also adds finely engraved small gold beads to the entire circumference of the case, with another row of beads outlining the diamonds on the case.

This incredible detailing takes dozens of hours of work and is barely noticeable from a distance. However, Vacheron Constantin would have it no other way. The brand is a stickler for details.

Vacheron Constantin ladies watches 2020 — The Heure Romantique ladies’ watch features diamonds set on two levels, as well as the leaf-shaped VACHERON CONSTANTIN

The Heures Creatives Heure Romantique watch, which was inspired by a 1916 archival piece that was created with an all diamond bracelet, joins Vacheron Constantin’s Heures Creatives collection.

The series was started five years ago in 2015, with the first watches released being a trilogy of watches inspired by the Belle Epoque era and forward through the 1970’s.

Looking at this elegant watch, one would guess it to be fitted with a quartz movement. However, Vacheron Constantin prides itself on its watchmaking as well as its artistic craftsmanship.

This watch is more than just a beautiful statement piece, it also boasts a top notch in-house-made mechanical movement.

Powered by the extremely thin manual winding Caliber 1055, with 115 individual components and 21 jewels, the petite watch boasts 40 hours of power reserve.

It is finished with a black satin strap perfect for any black-tie soiree. The watch retails for $54,500.

Vacheron Constantin watches 2020 — Vacheron Constantin has been creating romantic watches for women for centuries. © VACHERON CONSTANTIN

Source: forbes

Ulysse Nardin Introduces an Exclusive Blast Edition

At the Geneva Watch Days event in late August, Ulysse Nardin unveiled a new collection called Blast. The collection featured timepieces with a new, self-winding, skeletonized caliber with a flying tourbillon; a multifaceted case design inspired by the lines of stealth aircraft; and a new “one-click” folding clasp. A week later, Ulysse Nardin introduced another Blast reference, positioned as a high-end jewelry timepiece, whose open worked, automatic tourbillon movement, as well as its case, are embellished with geometrically cut diamonds in a motif reminiscent of a mosaic.

The new Sparkling Blast is limited to three pieces and has a 45-mm-diameter, white-gold case, with either a white-colored rubber strap or a deep blue-colored alligator strap. Each watch is adorned with a total of 211 hand-faceted diamonds across the case, crown, bezel, indexes, and hands; 85 of those diamonds are uniquely cut, giving the timepiece a total weight of 13 carats. The X-shaped cage on the open worked dial is also set with an array of diamonds, directly embedded into the architecture of this “shape-within-shape-within-shape” of the watch face, to highlight the large “X” framed inside the rectangle, itself framed inside the circle of the bezel.

The X-shaped cage on the openworked dial is set with an array of diamonds.

Ulysse Nardin says that the design of the case middle and its distinctive triple lugs borrows its “aligned edges and serrated triangular patterns” from the silhouettes of the wings found on stealth fighter jets, which make them invisible to radar and radio waves.

Each case, crown, bezel and index is adorned with hand-faceted diamonds; the watch has 211 diamonds in all.

The diamonds are set using an “invisible setting” technique that originated in France 200 years ago. In this setting, the diamonds are held in place by a hidden structure, which creates a floating appearance inside the metal ring but is invisible from the surface.

The self-deploying buckle is adorned with 1.22k of diamonds.

Like the Executive Skeleton Tourbillon and the other Blast models that preceded it, the new Sparkling Blast reference is powered by the skeletonized Caliber UN-172. This movement is an upgraded version of Ulysse Nardin’s existing Caliber 171, updated to feature a platinum micro-rotor, visible from the front at 12 o’clock, which is the silicon mainspring’s source of power, automatically winding it to amass a power-reserve up to three days (72 hours). Inside the movement is a 2.5-Hz silicon flying automatic tourbillon. Of the movement’s 137 components, 23 of them belong to the tourbillon.

The Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Blast retails for CHF 410,000 on either a white-colored rubber strap or a deep blue-and-white-colored leather strap, with a self-deploying buckle adorned with 1.22k of diamonds. The array of diamonds set on each timepiece comply with the World Diamond Council System of Warranties to ensure that no “conflict diamonds” enter the supply chain.

Source:Watchtime

Four Hublot’s That Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Diamonds have the power to transform the look of a watch completely. It can give sportive watches a touch of elegance, where it makes quite a difference if the understated baguette-cut is selected, or the more vibrant brilliant cut, while a mixture of both has an appeal of its own as well. For Hublot, diamonds are part of the ‘Art of Fusion,’ as they seamlessly integrate them in the following four stunning watches;

Spirit of Big Bang High Jewelry
As can be expected from a brand like Hublot, does it not settle for just an ordinary setting when decorating one of their watches with diamonds. This Spirit of Big Bang is the perfect example of this. Hublot took different shapes and sizes of diamonds and set them in the case, dividing each with a white gold rim that holds the gemstone. Such a setting is extremely difficult to accomplish, especially on the already complex case shape of the Spirit of Big Bang. The result is breathtaking, as it looks like cracked ice with an ice-hole at the bottom through which we don’t see water, but a tourbillon.

Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph High Jewelry
It is improbable that James Bond will ever sport a diamond-set watch on the big screen, but when he does, this Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph High Jewelry might be perfect. It is another watch in which Hublot utilizes a very complex setting, creating an effect very much like the gun barrel sequence at the start of each James Bond movie. It gives the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph a very dynamic look, not commonly associated with a diamond-set watch. Hublot went even as far as setting the skeletonized dial with diamonds, another feature not easy to accomplish. It is offered in white gold, but also in King gold, where it shows a different side of its character.

Big Bang MP-11 High Jewellery
The Big Bang MP-11 imposes with its seven series-coupled mainspring barrels, which give the watch a power reserve of 14-days. As they are horizontally aligned at the bottom of the movement, the sapphire crystal has a slight dome to accommodate them underneath. The case has this dome also, and while already stunning in the regular edition, the High Jewellery version is even more breathtaking. Here Hublot opted for a very close setting of baguette-cut diamonds, which make it look like most of the watch is made out of a solid gemstone.

Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Power Reserve 5 Days High Jewellery
Sometimes you want it all, with both the watch and the bracelet completely set with diamonds. The Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Power Reserve 5 Days High Jewellery offers just that, combined with a generous five-day power reserve and a tourbillon. The watch is set in such an exquisite way that hardly any part of the white gold case and bracelet shows. To achieve this, Hublot used 1.574 diamonds, with a total carat weight of 84.90. The fun part of this watch is that it also comes with Hublot’s patented ‘One-click system,’ which enables you to switch between the diamond set bracelet and a rubber or alligator strap in a matter of seconds.

Source: hautetime

Two 20-Carat Diamond Watches From Jaeger-LeCoultre Have World’s Smallest Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre has held the record for the world’s smallest mechanical movement – since 1929. The caliber 101, a mere 14mm long and less than 5mm wide, is still used today. It drives two new high jewelry models from the brand, the Snowdrop and the Bangle. Both are made of 18k pink gold and designed as bracelets, according to standards of high jewelry making, with integrated cases and movements. Each is set with about 20 carats of diamonds, all classified as IF-internally flawless to VVS clarity grade.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Snowdrop, with 20.9 carats of diamonds. JAEGER-LECOULTRE

The Snowdrop is set with of 904 diamonds, 204 of which are substantially sized pear-shaped gems. The remainder are classic brilliant cuts, for a total of 20.9 carats. The design was inspired by the white bell-shaped flowers of the same name that grow through the snow in the Vallee de Joux watchmaking district of Switzerland. The case is integrated with the manchette-style bracelet, with a circle of pear-shaped diamonds surrounding the dial to form a flower. Waves of diamonds repeat the petal pattern in perfect symmetry throughout the bracelet.Recommended For You

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Bangle watch, with 19.7 carats of diamonds. JAEGER-LECOULTRE

The diamonds in the center of the bracelet are set according to the griffe or claw method, which minimizes the amount of metal surrounding the gem and allows more light to pass through from different angles. The bracelet’s structure is supported by two bands of gold with diamonds that are grain-set, a linear setting technique in which tiny beads of gold are pulled up from the surface of the metal and pushed over the stone to secure them. The gemsetting work for this piece represents 130 hours of work by Jaeger-LeCoultre artisans.

The Bangle watch is a swirling, geometric Art Deco design with an interplay of symmetry and asymmetry. The bracelet is set with 996 diamonds totaling 19.7 carats, graduated in size to emphasize the sweeping, 3D curves of the design. Altogether, there are 144 griffe-set diamonds and 852 grain-set diamonds. The Bangle opens with a simple twist of each side.

Setting diamonds into the Snowdrop watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre. JAEGER-LECOULTRE

Over the past 90 years, Jaeger-Le Coultre’s caliber 101 has been used in jewelry watches under its own name as well as in creations by other high-end brands. These rare timepieces have graced the wrists of many notable women, including Queen Elizabeth II, who wore one for her coronation in 1953. The movement has benefited over the years from many improvements in materials and machining, but its dimensions and architecture remain unchanged. The present, fourth-generation movement, caliber 101/4 has 98 components (compared with the original 78).

Source: forbes

Jacob & Co Billionaire ASHOKA Watch Features 189 Carats Of Diamonds

It’d take a pretty special kind of bloke to pull this one off. Even among the richest figures currently walking about on this Earth, I just can’t imagine a Bezos, Buffet, or Musk being able to wear the Jacob & Co Billionaire ASHOKA watch on their wrists without every single one of us scrunching up our faces. In any case, it’s very much real and priced at US$7 million.

Reportedly a new and improved update of Floyd Mayweather’s hella frosty 260 carat Jacob & Co Billionaire’s watch – which itself cost US$18 million – this revised iteration features over 189 carats of proprietary diamond cuts by William Goldberg. What’s so special about a William Goldberg ASHOKA diamond? As it so happens, less than 1% of all rough diamonds meet the criteria to even become an ASHOKA. In other words, what you see before you are the elite stones.

With a distinct rectangular shape highlighted by the skeletonised calibre JCAM09 tourbillon movement, this mind-numbingly opulent timepiece is comprised of 167 elements, 19 jewels, and brings a 72-hour power reserve to the table. The 19 jewels themselves have been divided into 62 individual examples to completely cover the case, bracelet, and clasp. But you didn’t need me to tell you where to look for ’em.

Naturally, an offering such as this will be ultra-exclusive. Given the rarity of ASHOKA diamonds in the world, only a single Jacob & Co Billionaire ASHOKA watch will ever be crafted.

Source: bosshunting

Diamonds Are A Watch’s Best Friend

New models in Harry Winston’s Ocean Biretrograde collection reaffirm the brand’s status as one of the world’s most important purveyors of diamonds. Before the Swatch Group acquired Harry Winston in 2013, it was owned by Dominion Diamond company, the joint venture partner in Canada’s first diamond mine, Ekati, which entitled the company to first pick of run-of-mine gems.

Previous to that, it was owned by the Winston family. It was founded by Harry Winston, whose nickname, “the King of Diamonds,” resulted from his having acquired and sold some of the world’s top diamonds: the 726-carat Jonker; the 94.80-carat Star of the East (which he later sold to the Duchess of Windsor); and the storied 45.52-carat fancy blue Hope Diamond.

The Swatch Group has been careful to honor the legacy of Harry Winston, setting most ladies’ models, and some men’s, with diamonds new pieces in the Ocean Biretrograde Automatic 36mm collection and the more petite Emerald collection.

Diamond and black lacquer version in 18k gold of the Harry Winston Ocean Biretrograde Automatic 36mm collection.

The Emerald collection is named after the shape of founder Harry Winston’s favorite diamond cut, the emerald. New 18k yellow and white gold models are ideal cocktail watches, at 18mm wide. They come with either a flexible Milanese woven bracelet or a classic satin double tour strap.

Diamond watch on a Milanese style woven bracelet from the Emerald collection by Harry Winston.

And now for the finale of the 2020 lineup: the Precious Cluster, set using Mr. Winston’s signature clustering technique with over seven carats of pear and trillion-cut diamonds, and the Winston Cluster, the high jewelry version with brilliant, marquise, and pear-cut diamonds totaling over 25 carats. The Cluster is a perfect response to the line, “Talk To Me Harry Winston!” from the 1953 song “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”

Source: forbes

Harry Winston Showcase Signature Design Timepieces

The new Premier models in mother of pearl have extraordinary show of depth.

The Premier Collection was the first watch collection introduced by Harry Winston in 1989, The collection captures the pioneering spirit of Harry Winston.

With the Automatic 36 mm Harry Winston has embraced the theme of nature. The Caliber HW 2014, which provides a power reserve of 72 hours.