For most brides, jewellery and watches aren’t just accessories or adornments; they account for one of the biggest investments of the wedding budget. Whether heirloom-worthy jewels that carry cultural heritage or a fine timepiece that adds a touch of modern luxury, together, they form the most substantial part of a bride’s trousseau in terms of spend and sentiment. But what if you could get your hands on pieces that bridge the gap between the two? Say hello to a jewellery watch. Jewellery watches bring together the sparkle of high jewellery with the craftsmanship of haute horology, making them the most versatile options. Practical yet decadent, they’re proof that you don’t have to choose between punctuality and panache.
Fun fact: The very first wristwatch, also a jewellery watch, was designed for a woman. In 1868, Countess Koscowicz of Hungary asked Patek Philippe to craft a jewel that could also tell time. It sparked a new era where timepieces were ornamental and practical. Cut to 2025, jewellery watches retain their top drawer status in trousseau wishlists, destined to become heirlooms.
For destination wedding by the beach, you can pick a delicate mother-of-pearl face encrusted with sapphires with your billowing lehenga. For a glamorous sangeet, ditch stacks of kadas in favour of a diamond-encrusted piece that will become the pièce de resistance of your look. At your black-tie reception, an emerald-studded timepiece will offset a structured gown or a shimmering sari with equal flair. Where traditional kadas, bracelets and bangles are reserved for festive events, jewellery watches will effortlessly slip effortlessly into post-wedding life, from power lunches, cocktail soirées to brunches and boardrooms.
The best gold jewellery watches
Theatrically lustrous and financially lucrative, timepieces crafted with the precious material have long earned a cult status with tastemakers, trendsetters and even celebrities. When it comes to brides, solid gold jewellery watches offer a blend of style, artistry and lasting charm. Above all, they have an intrinsic value, preciousness and returning appeal that make them timeless.
Whether yellow, white or rose gold, they are as functional as they are inspirational. Many feature gemstones that further add sparkle to complement traditional jewellery, ethnic wear as well as contemporary outfits. Luxury watchmakers such as Audemars Piguet, Bulgari, Chopard, Vacheron Constantin, and Rolex are known for their exceptional choices that marry precision engineering with exquisite design.
Mini yet mighty, the Audemars Piguet Mini Royal Oak in 23mm features an 18-carat pink gold case and frosted gold bracelet, while the Serpenti Spiga single-spiral has forever been on trousseau wishlists. Brides who want to douse themselves in diamonds will love the Vacheron Constantin ÉGÉRIE Moon Phase Jewellery Watch featuring 1,377 diamonds, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36, and Hermès Faubourg Polka Joallerie Watch. From delicate bracelets to bold, statement-making options, these watches exemplify the perfect intersection of jewellery and horology.
The best gemstone jewellery watches
Vivid, luminous and eye-catching, gemstone-embedded jewellery watches are a dream for brides who love drama. Set with rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, these timepieces inject instant vibrance and personality, making them perfect for brides who want their accessories to do the talking. Whether paired with a neutral lehenga or a gold sari, they add a striking pop of colour that transforms an understated look into a statement.
Beyond a dazzling façade, gem-studded bezels and bracelet, its intricate hardware detailing, meticulous compositions and fine artistry reflect the finesse of luxury and precision watchmaking. With maisons like Chopard, Breitling, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels leading the way, these creations are more than watches. They are miniature marvels of design and craftsmanship.
Inspired by an aquatic plant, the glamorous Breguet Marine Poseidonia impresses with its ingenious design, mother-of-pearl marquetry, an abundance of diamonds and coloured gemstones. A blue alligator strap serves as a canvas for a kaleidoscope of butterflies on a sapphire dial on Graff Classic Butterfly Watch. Brides who don’t mind keeping something private will lean towards Cartier Tradition Boule Emeraude secret watch with 209 brilliant-cut diamonds and 24 emerald beads totalling 55.84 carats and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Colours. For colour enthusiasts, the limited edition Chopard Happy Sport Métiers d’Art, Piaget High Jewellery Aura and Van Cleef & Arpels Perles de Glace Rose watch will be love at first sight. For the modern bride, these pieces fuse the ostentation of jewellery with the precision of horology.
