Dreamy Watches and Jewels We'd Love to Own
Jan 25, 2016
Strap on a limited edition watch or set sail with some dreamy new jewels. Go on, you’re worth it.
1. Steely Resolve: Patek Philippe 5960-1A
With its mono-counter chronograph and calendar display in three windows, the Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960 offered something new in 2006. Patek Philippe’s first automatic chronograph was a pivotal moment for the brand. For its latest Ref. 5960 model, the watchmaker has dispensed with platinum and gold in favour of stainless steel. That makes it one of only a few Patek Philippe complicated classics in steel. The stark opaline dial is offset by black gold rims on the apertures, with power reserve and chronograph- hour hands in black, running and 60-minute chronograph hands in signal red, and days in black.
2. Making Waves: Van Cleef & Arpels Seven Seas
Nature has long been a theme for Van Cleef & Arpels, and its dreamy
new cruise collection is no exception. Based on the seven seas, and a time when the world was a smaller place, it includes pieces inspired by the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Arabian, Caspian, Red and Black seas, with a nod to the Atlantic and Indian oceans. From brilliant sapphires, aquamarines and crystalline emeralds to cultured pearls and onyx, this is high jewellery that is wearable. Turtles, starfish, seahorses, mermaids and, of course, sparkling crystal-clear waters…prepare to set sail.
3. Primate Time: Harry Winston Premier Monkey Automatic 36mm
Just the thing for the Year of the Monkey, Harry Winston’s new rose gold 36mm watch is a limited edition – only eight are available. It features a playfully rendered 18-karat gold monkey on the bottom of the dial, its tail wrapped around an emerald-cut diamond at 12 o’clock. The dial itself is stunning pink mother-of- pearl, inlaid with 24-karat gold flecks, recalling the Chinese art of paper-cutting. It has an elegant black satin strap – and did we mention the 74 brilliant-cut diamonds around the dial? This is no time to monkey around.
4. Roar Material: Chanel Sous le Signe du Lion
This exquisite high jewellery collection was inspired both by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s star sign, Leo, and her first journey to Venice – which has the lion as its emblem – in 1920. Grieving the recent death of her lover Arthur “Boy” Capel in a car crash, Chanel saw the lion as a symbol of strength and a sign of her destiny. The lion made its first appearance in Chanel’s 2012 fine jewellery collection. With bold medallion- style necklaces, delicate ropes of coloured pearls and statement- making oversized brooches, Chanel’s “Under the Sign of the Lion” collection captures the majesty of the king of the zodiac, bringing it magnificently to life.