Ask the expert: A classy jewellery watch that's not OTT

As the festive season's rolling up, I'm looking for a jewellery watch. Caveat: It needs to stand out, but it shouldn't be opulent

By Karishma Tulsidas - 13 Dec 2023

Share this article

We know the festive season is coming up, but there’s no excuse for over accessorising. If you’re looking for an elegant jewellery watch that makes a statement and has a serious heritage to boot, these options are guaranteed to turn heads without being over the top.

Got a question about watches? Send it to contributing features editor Karishma Tulsidas (karishma@sph.com.sg), who will solve your conundrums with practical tips and advice.

An icon revisited

Credit: Serpenti Tubogas Infinity rose gold watch, price unavailable, Bvlgari

1/4

One of the most recognisable jewellery and watch icons, the Bvlgari Serpenti slithered to life in 1948, during the austere post World War II era. It featured the Tubogas, a sinuous, coiled bracelet that takes the shape of the wearer’s wrist. Over the years, the Serpenti has undergone various transformations, but it is still instantly recognisable thanks to its snake head.

For the first time, the Tubogas has been re-engineered so it can house diamonds on the bracelet. A feat that’s two years in the making, it wasn’t a simple undertaking. Instead, the rings on the bracelet had to be completely resized in order to accommodate the extra sparkle.

The Serpenti Tubogas Infinity comes in rose gold, with diamonds on the Tubogas, dial and bezel.

Understated elegance

Credit: Premiere Ribbon steel watch with diamonds on ribbon bracelet, $9,400, Chanel

2/4

What do women want? This is a question that Chanel has long known the answer to. In 1987, the fashion brand made its first foray into watchmaking with the launch of the Premiere watch, influenced by its fashion and beauty lines. The shape of the case was inspired by the shape of the Chanel No 5 perfume bottle, which in turn had been inspired by Paris’ iconic Place Vendome.

It was instantly lauded for its sleek, monochromatic and minimalist aesthetic, which has been brought back to life with the Premiere Ribbon. Featuring a smattering of diamonds on the bezel, this elegant timepiece is crafted entirely in black.

Credit: Limelight Gala Precious gold bracelet watch, price unavailable, Piaget

4/4

The 1960s and 1970s were considered the golden age for Swiss brand Piaget. It designed watches featuring coloured stone dials and creatively hammered gold bracelets worn by the likes of Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and more. This gave rise to the decor palace technique, an engraving method that gives the gold material a rugged texture.

In recent years, this technique, which has become almost synonymous with Piaget, has made a comeback on watches and jewellery.

We have a soft spot for the Limelight Gala Precious watch, which features a gold dial, cascading diamonds on the bezel, and a decor palace gold bracelet.