All watches can be considered Christmas watches, as they represent a magnificent gift for all lovers of fine watchmaking. Yet some truly stand out during the festive season by capturing the magic of Christmas.
This is where the talent of watch designers comes into play, transforming a timepiece into a true Christmas watch.
From a traditional gemstone setting to a snow setting…
It is the majestic head of a lion—Gabrielle Chanel’s emblematic animal—that conceals the dial of this exceptional secret watch by Chanel, presented not as a bracelet but as a ring. Produced in only five pieces, this yellow gold sculpture, named Lion de Mademoiselle, is set with diamonds using the so-called “snow” setting technique. This craftsmanship involves setting stones of varying sizes to create a textured effect reminiscent of a fresh layer of… snow. CHF 291,000.
White as Snow
Perfect for a high-altitude snowball fight, the Montblanc Iced Sea watch features a glacier-pattern dial and 0 Oxygen technology. Displaying central hours, minutes, and seconds along with a date aperture, the snow-white dial mimics the texture of ice, while the steel case is now offered in a reduced size of 38 mm in diameter. Fitted with a white rubber strap, it houses an automatic movement and is equipped with “0 Oxygen” technology. The absence of oxygen inside the case prevents fogging caused by significant temperature changes while also avoiding oxidation. CHF 3,245.
Green and Red, Santa Claus Colors
Among the nine editions of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph, one stands out as the watch of the moment. Naturally, it adopts the universal colors of Christmas: fir green and bright red. Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces and powered by a movement whose battery is recharged by natural or artificial light, its 38 mm red TH-Polylight case is enhanced by a fir-green rotating bezel, matched to the rubber strap. CHF 1,750.
A Winter Scene
In the tradition of Van Cleef & Arpels’ poetic complications, the Lady Arpels Pont des Amoureux watch offers an animated display set against a festive backdrop with falling snowflakes. The 38 mm white gold and diamond case, paired with a snow-set bracelet, becomes the stage for a romantic scene in which two lovers meet on demand on a bridge, guided by retrograde hour and minute indications. All of this is made possible by an automatic automaton movement and a dial crafted in grisaille enamel, sculpted gold, and miniature painting. Price upon request.
Frosted Gold
Audemars Piguet caused a sensation with its innovative treatment of so-called Frosted gold. Derived from centuries-old craftsmanship born in Florence, Italy, the art of frosting involves a precious hammering of the metal to create a frosted effect that plays beautifully with the light. Depending on the lighting, the gold appears to shimmer as if set with micro-diamonds. A perfect example is the 37 mm automatic Royal Oak in yellow gold, recognizable by its smoked gold dial with a sunburst effect. CHF 66,600.
