Comparison - The art of semi-precious dials - Trends and style

When machined with great delicacy, semi-precious stones provide a magnificent canvas for watch manufacturers seeking original and unique watch dials.

Dior Joaillerie, CHF 16,500

This original creation features an asymmetrical case, perfectly harmonised with a cuff-like bracelet. With the choice of steel, combined with touches of yellow gold and a stunning malachite dial, this piece remains relatively affordable despite its bezel being completely paved with diamonds.

GEM Dior in steel and yellow gold, diamond-set bezel, 27 mm diameter, malachite dial, quartz movement, steel and yellow gold bracelet © Dior

Van Cleef and Arpels, CHF 16,700

The Alhambra motif, resembling a lucky four-leaf clover, is one of the pillars of Van Cleef and Arpels' creative vocabulary. It is presented here in a cuff watch whose bracelet features alternating links of rose gold and carnelian. The design combines the softness of the metal with the warm hue of the ornamental stone, greatly valued by the maison for its vibrant colour.

Sweet Alhambra in rose gold, 23 mm diameter, quartz movement, rose gold and carnelian bracelet © Van Cleef and Arpels

Cartier, CHF 17,200

A horological legend and heir to the first wristwatch in modern watchmaking history, created in 1904, this piece employs semi-precious dumortierite, not for the entire dial but for its twelve Roman numerals. This highly original stylistic effect lends this men’s watch a much-appreciated refinement.

Santos-Dumont in yellow gold, 44.6 x 34 mm, dial with Roman numerals in dumortierite, hand-wound movement, alligator strap © Cartier

Bulgari, CHF 19,900

This exquisite and elegant jewellery watch is instantly recognisable by its fan-shaped lugs. The striking contrast between the pink gold and the unique blue of the lapis lazuli is captivating. Diamonds adorn the bezel, lugs, and dial, while the winding crown is set with a pink tourmaline cabochon.

Diva's Dream in rose gold, bezel and lugs set with diamonds, 30 mm diameter, lapis lazuli dial, quartz movement, alligator strap © Bulgari

Rolex, CHF 31,600

One of the crown brand’s most iconic models, this high-performance diving watch is water-resistant to 100 metres. This professional tool watch offers a touch of refinement through its highly original hawk's eye dial, whose shades of charcoal grey harmonise with the black ceramic bezel and rubber strap.

Yacht-Master in white gold, ceramic bezel, 42 mm diameter, hawk's eye dial, automatic movement with date aperture, rubber strap © Rolex

Chaumet, CHF 35,110

This supremely understated jewellery watch discreetly showcases the finest aspects of feminine watchmaking. It features a mechanical calibre, precious gem setting, and an innovative choice of mineral for the dial — shattuckite, a rare semi-precious stone with unique reflections, discovered in Arizona in 1915.

Les Pierres de Rêve in white gold, bezel and lugs set with diamonds, 35 mm diameter, shattuckite dial, automatic movement, leather strap © Chaumet

Piaget, CHF 107,000

This high complication watch is rendered in feminine shades of blue. The dial is made of obsidian, with sapphires and the alligator strap creating a tone-on-tone design that offsets the exceptional mechanism. The manufacture calibre is among the thinnest in its category, featuring the Quantième Perpétuel complication that displays the full calendar.

Polo Quantième Perpétuel in white gold, bezel set with sapphires, 42 mm diameter, obsidian dial, ultra-thin hand-wound movement with days, months, and date shown on hands, leap year indicators and moon phase display, alligator strap © Piaget

Beauregard, CHF 160,000

This masterpiece combines high watchmaking with artistic craftsmanship. At the dial's centre, a flying tourbillon rotates within a cage protected by a flower-shaped grid. This exceptional mechanism is framed by a turquoise dial featuring delicate petals, all majestically showcased by a gem-set case.