Spring is upon us — flowers are in bloom, the sun is shining and, when the heavens open for a spring shower, the wonderful natural phenomenon of rainbows can be seen arching through the sky. In the watch world, the colors of nature are magnificently reinterpreted using diamonds and gemstones in a veritable painter’s palette of hues. Some of the finest watch brands in the world bring us timeless rainbow creations that delight the spirit and stimulate the senses. Yes, it may be the season of experiences and adventures, but it is also a time to celebrate spring in grand style.
[See also: A Masterpiece: Bespoke Vacheron Constantin Pocket Watch]
Corum Golden Bridge Round
Corum Golden Bridge Round rainbow watch / ©Corum
This stunning 43mm Corum Golden Bridge watch is crafted in 18-karat rose gold and meticulously set with gemstones on the case and lugs, and diamonds on the interior movement microstructure. In fact, there are 108 VVS/H/ full-cut diamonds on the watch and 96 baguette cut gemstones on the case and lugs. Among them: sapphires, peridots, tsavorites and rubies weighing more than 7 carats. The watch is powered by a hand-wound movement with 40 hours of power reserve. It is finished with a colorful alligator strap.
$134,600 corum-watches.com
Chopard Alpine Eagle Frozen
Chopard Alpine Eagle Frozen / ©Chopard
Decked out with 6.88 carats of diamonds and almost 2 carats of multicolored sapphires, this stunning Chopard Alpine Eagle Frozen watch is crafted in 18-karat ethical rose gold — meaning that the gold has been ethically sourced and traced. The 36mm watch is set with diamonds on the dial and case, but the bezel boasts a rainbow of beautiful sapphires. The watch is powered by an in-housemade automatic movement consisting of 159 parts and is a COSC-certified chronometer.
Price on request, chopard.com
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Bulgari x MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT Allegra
Bulgari x MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT Allegra / ©MB&F
The result of a wonderful collaboration between independent watchmaker MB&F and the beloved Roman house of Bulgari, this new Legacy Machine FlyingT Allegra 3D horological machine boasts a highly technical movement from MB&F that is built vertically along a central axis, so the mechanism and the majority of its 280 elaborate parts are entirely visible. Even the small dial that showcases the hour and minutes hands is placed on a 50-degree angle so as not to obstruct the view. Then, Bulgari works its magic using large, cabochon-cut gemstones in a bold array of rainbow colors. In total, there are more than 3 carats of diamonds and nearly 3 carats of gemstones (tsavorite, tourmaline, tanzanite, amethyst and rubellite). Just 20 will be made in 18-karat rose gold.
$185,000, mbandf.com
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Rainbow Opal
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Rainbow Opal / ©Parmigiani Fleurier
Part of a signature collection for Swiss brand Parmigiani, this Tonda round watch represents the first time the brand is offering an exquisite opal dial. To further enhance the incredible colors of the gemstone dial, Parmigiani sets the 18-karat rose gold case with a rainbow of 36 baguette-cut stones including 21 sapphires, six green tsavorites and six amethysts, for a total of 3.63 carats. The watch is powered by a 189-part automatic movement. Just five pieces will be made.
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$85,000, parmiagianiamericas.com
Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Rainbow
Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Rainbow / ©Piaget
Just awarded the best ‘Ladies’ Watch’ prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (often referred to as the Oscars of watchmaking), this stunning 32mm Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Rainbow watch is crafted in hammered 18-karat gold with gold bracelet and dial. It is magnificently set with 37 sapphires weighing 7.90 carats and five green tsavorites weighing almost another full carat. The sapphire caseback of the watch allows for viewing of the meticulously finished Piaget 501P1 automatic mechanical movement.
$105,000, piaget.com
[See also: How the FP Journe Astronomic Souveraine is Made]
This article appears in the 04 Mar 2022 issue of the New Statesman, Spring 2022
