In modern vernacular, diamonds are regularly referred to as “ice”, due to their crystalline splendour, but in traditional jewellery parlance, we use the word “fire” to refer to the prismatic sparkle that emanates from faceted stones under the light. For the gem-lovers among you, here are our WorldTempus Selections for this winter — a curated list of five recently launched gem-set watches, combining the beauty of a frost-covered landscape with the cosy warmth of a crackling fire, that will suit any occasion.
Classic: Omega Constellation 36mm
While die-hard Omega enthusiasts will pledge their allegiance to the high-energy sports collections of the Biennois brand such as the Seamaster or Speedmaster, it’s the evergreen Constellation that holds a steady flame in the Omega creative repertoire. The new Omega Constellation 36mm comes in three dial colours to bring some cheer to the monochromatic winter days, a deep navy blue, a velvety brown that evokes steaming cups of cocoa, and a rich burgundy that recalls Christmas markets and spiced wine.
Modern: Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow
Winter flowers tend to be hardy, robust blooms, but the Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow introduces us to an entirely different kind of hibernal horticulture. A glacial case of sapphire crystal is the glasshouse to Takashi Murakami’s exuberantly smiling flower, a uniquely spectacular example of traditional watchmaking fused with contemporary art.
Retro/Vintage: Piaget Gala Precious Palace
Nothing brings back the exceptional design legacy of ‘60s and ‘70s watchmaking like the Piaget Gala Precious Palace, with an integrated case and bracelet of yellow gold — the iconic precious metal of the era. With its bark-inspired Palace décor hand-executed on the bracelet, and brilliant-cut diamonds encircling the bezel and lining the lugs, this piece captures the quiet majesty of an ancient forest in winter.
Formal: MB&F x Bulgari Legacy Machine FlyingT Allegra
Step out in style with the undisputed jewellery highlight of the 2021 watchmaking calendar. Gala events may not be as common in 2021 as they were a few years ago, but even without empirical evidence to support us, we have no doubt that the MB&F x Bulgari Legacy Machine FlyingT Allegra will command every red carpet it appears on. With this watch on, you’ll be warm even in December, thanks to all the burning envy and camera flashbulbs that will be directed your way.
Sports: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 38.5mm
Who says you can’t wear fine jewellery on the ski slopes? Thanks to the century and a half of horological expertise at Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon 38.5mm is as tough as it looks. The rugged case of the Royal Oak Concept is carpeted in sparkling stones in a range of blues, fading in colour towards the dial, which is fully set with colourless diamonds and designed to resemble icicle shards. Forget about snow-blindness; save your most heavily mirrored visors for checking the time on this watch.
