Jewellery watches are set to be hot trend for 2024. The luxury watch industry is undergoing a notable transformation, placing a renewed emphasis on exquisite design. Leading this trend are the latest offerings from renowned brands such as Cartier, which have introduced stunning variations of their classic Baignoire timepiece in the form of rigid bangle versions, available in plain gold or adorned with diamond pavé.
Not to be outdone, luxury brands including Piaget, Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Jaeger-LeCoultre have unveiled remarkably elegant pendant timepieces designed to be worn around the neck— answering the question – is the watch jewellery?
Alpha male-focused watch brands such as Panerai, Hublot, and Audemars Piguet are redefining their signature chunky timepieces to attract women with more refined preferences, maintaining their rugged charm while introducing subtle adjustments for broader appeal. This evolution reflects a convergence of luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation in the watch industry, paving the way for a rich diversity of timepieces in 2024 and beyond.
For over eight decades, the Bvlgari Serpenti collection has stood as a timeless classic, adorning the wrists of Hollywood’s elite. The captivating serpent holds roots in ancient Greek and Roman mythology, symbolizing qualities of wisdom, vitality, and allure. This timeless motif finds expression in Bvlgari Jewellery’s enchanting creations, evoking a sense of charm and fascination that transcends eras and cultures.
In 1948, Bvlgari unveiled its inaugural Serpenti piece: a bracelet-watch crafted from gold, featuring a square dial and a flexible body that elegantly enveloped the wrist using the Tubogas technique, characterised by consistent coils of gold.
As the design progressed into the 1950s, it began to take on a more serpentine form, with a realistic snake head adorned with precious metals and gemstones like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds for eyes. The Bvlgari Serpenti watch concealed its dial discreetly within the mouth, earning it the moniker of a “secret watch” within the industry. By the 1960s, the bracelet-watches evolved further, showcasing intricate scales crafted from sheet gold connected by gold pivots. Some designs incorporated vibrant enamel for added colour, while gemstones such as lapis lazuli, coral, jade, onyx, and turquoise embellished the scales, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the iconic Serpenti collection.
Recently the model has seen a massive resurgence thanks to a new younger generation of fans. It’s not hard to see why……
Chopard is a prestigious Swiss luxury brand established in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard. Initially renowned for crafting high-precision pocket watches and chronometers, the brand has expanded to offer exquisite watches, fine jewellery, and accessories.
Chopard is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to ethical practices, including the use of responsibly-sourced diamonds and sustainability initiatives. Highly favoured by celebrities, royalty, and discerning individuals globally, Chopard remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication and pieces that blur the line between watches and jewellery.
The elegant Chopard Dual Tec watch boasts a refined design with its 18ct white gold case and white dial adorned with Roman numerals. Adding a touch of luxury, the bezel is encrusted with sparkling diamonds, while a pin buckle clasp secures the watch comfortably. Protected by a sapphire crystal glass, it offers water resistance up to 3ATM. The bracelet is crafted from luxurious crocodile skin leather, enhancing its sophisticated appeal.
In 1958, the Ovale Cintré watch made its debut, later renamed Baignoire in 1973. Renowned for its elegant lines, this timepiece has become a signature watch celebrated for its timeless French chic. it’s worth noting that “Baignoire” translates to “Bathtub,” a surprisingly fitting descriptor for this intricate shape.
La Maison Cartier is renowned for its exquisite pieces of jewellery as well as iconic watches. The Cartier Baignoire, crafted from 18-karat white gold and adorned with a dazzling diamond-encrusted bezel, exudes sheer enchantment. It combines Cartier’s signature blued steel sword-shaped hands and a silvered dial, complemented by a timeless bracelet. With its exquisite craftsmanship, this timepiece only grows more captivating with time.
It’s no surprise that the watch has found a new generation of fans, who are embracing the idea of a watch considered jewellery. With the case shape that sits ‘just so’ on the wrist of the wearer, it also aligns perfectly with other pieces of jewellery, or simply by itself to showcase it beautifully.
Ultimately, the Cartier Baignoire stands out as a quintessential example, epitomizing night-time elegance. This trend reflects the resurgence of sophisticated fashion and occasion dressing seen both on and off the runways, influencing the fashion landscape for the year ahead.
Click here to read our article on Cartier vs Bvlgari watches.
Over the past 160 years, Cartier has produced a myriad of iconic pieces, from intricately detailed gem-encrusted brooches to captivating panther diamond rings and a multitude of watches, all of which have attained cult status. Historically, Cartier collaborated closely with Jaeger LeCoultre and Piaget, utilizing many of their calibers. However, in recent years, Cartier has increasingly relied on its own movements for their elegant timepieces.
One remarkable iteration is the Cartier Panthère Ruban, which puts a unique twist on one of the Maison’s most beloved creations, the Panthère. The steel Ruban exudes simple elegance, with the continuous form of the classic Cartier Figaro bracelet wrapping around the wrist like a supremely comfortable, mirror-like ribbon.
Whilst the model has been discontinued by the house, the subtle blend of both jewellery and watch make it a timeless fashion accessory.
While watches serve the primary function of telling time, many are indeed crafted with such attention to detail and aesthetic appeal that they are considered pieces of jewellery in their own right. Luxury watches, in particular, often showcase exceptional craftsmanship and design elements that elevate them to the status of fine jewellery.
BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
