Jewels | Watches

Watchmakers are increasingly celebrating the multifaceted nature of women with timepieces that combine technical mastery and artistic flair—from diamond-studded creations to poetic complications. These designs honour heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Located within the historic Raffles Hotel’s Bar and Billiard Room, the recently opened AP House in Singapore immediately transports visitors into Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet’s world. It seamlessly blends the building’s preserved architecture with interiors inspired by the Swiss Maison’s home in Le Brassus and the surrounding lush nature.

For many watchmakers and collectors alike, the thinner a timepiece is, the better. That may be a matter of preference – or debate – but there’s no disputing the breathtaking, infinitesimal complexity of ultra-thin watches.

From ancient and intricate techniques to rare stones and breathtaking designs, jewellery watches are at an all-time high.Shot on location at Roche Bobois

Geopolitics, scarcity, and soaring auction prices – coloured diamonds hold a unique fascination for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

From fiery black opals to neon-blue tourmalines, a rainbow of vibrant gemstones is taking centre stage in high-jewellery collections – and collectors are paying attention. We explore what’s driving this explosion of coloured gemstones...

Big, bold and beautiful: These outsized and out-of-this-world timepieces boast astounding mechanics – and eye-popping aesthetics to match.

In its recent high jewellery showcase, Tiffany & Co unveiled more than 200 stunning pieces from its 'Blue Book 2024' Collection. The selection features rare and elegant designs from the Tiffany Céleste line, exquisite creations by Jean Schlumberger, and exceptional pieces from past collections, including Out of the Blue and Bird on a Pearl Capsule.

Dickson Yewn has become a leading contemporary jewellery designer over the years. Deeply inspired by Chinese history, antiques and culture, the jewellery artist's unique expressions make use of a wide range of gemstones, pigments and wood. Here, the designer talks us through finding sources of inspiration, his polymathic approach to jewellery art and living as a literatist.

Nature has long served as the muse of Van Cleef & Arpels. The maison’s creations are coded in the vitality and poetic grace of the seasons. In ‘Les Jardins Secrets’, a private exhibition at the Raffles Arcade, individuals are invited to take in the storied jewellery maker’s rich history and extraordinary repertoire of techniques through a one-of-a-kind display of pieces on loan from a private collector, as well as from the in-house Patrimoine collection.

Up until the 20th century, quality watches were primarily encased in silver or gold. Over the past 100 years, however, we have witnessed immense advances in the types of materials used to keep mechanical movements safe from the elements. 

The world’s worst kept secret is undoubtedly the fact that diamonds are really not as rare as De Beers would like us to believe. Nevertheless, astute collectors know that there are some rarefied categories of diamond that continue to increase in value.

'MB&F' stands for 'Maximilian Büsser and Friends'. Since its inception in 2005, from the moment the business name was registered, this watchmaker and purveyor of mechanical art objects has had collaboration at its core. Essentially, it’s a vehicle for founder Büsser to partner with individuals possessing specialised skills, in order to make innovative horological concepts and out-there inventions a reality.

It’s almost difficult to recall the state of horology only a few decades ago, when high watches were elegant, svelte, timeless. How things have changed. These are the brands that blazed the trail.

In 1956, Blancpain made horological history with the launch of the Ladybird—the smallest round mechanical watch of its time. This pioneering creation marked a significant moment in watchmaking, offering a refined alternative to the larger movements that featured in women’s timepieces. Its appeal extended beyond size, often distinguished by luxurious touches such as a mother-of-pearl dial, a finely crafted gold case and adorned with diamonds and other precious gemstones.

The 2025 edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva unfolded with exciting new novelties from the most renowned maisons in horology. From colourful watches and dazzling timepieces adorned with precious gemstones, to ultra-thin movements and innovative complications, each piece embodies the fair’s long-standing reputation for precision, artistry, and unmatched craftsmanship.

To say that the launch of Hublot's Big Bang collection was a seminal moment in watchmaking would not be an exaggeration. Launched in 2005, it marked the revival of Hublot, the brand founded in 1980 by Italian entrepreneur Carlo Croco. The Big Bang made quite the bang—pun intended—as it marked a shift in horological design language. A luxury timepiece, with exposed screws, a chunky case and a rubber strap? At that time, it was unthinkable.

The unassuming elegance of nature has always provided Frédéric Boucheron with inspiration to create some of the most sophisticated pieces of jewellery. From daisies and thistles to beetles and bumblebees, these elements allowed the founder to build an extensive library of over 600 works and an archive of truly exceptional creations.

Franck Muller is known for its signature Curvex CX cases that house not only the most complicated technologies but are also crafted with exceptional design. The Silhouette CX Snake is an extraordinary timepiece that represents the next evolution of the iconic watch case, crafted by renowned master casemaker Vartan Sirmakes.

In 1810, when Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger sister envisioned Breguet’s first wristwatch, she commissioned Abraham-Louis Breguet to create a timepiece befitting her status. This marked the beginning of the world-famous Reine de Naples line. In 2025, the Maison adds another exclusive masterpiece to this iconic collection in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille first collaborated with renowned Italian marque Ferrari in 2021, unveiling the RM UP-01 Ultraflat Ferrari—a timepiece that, at just 1.75mm thick, stunned the watch world with its razor-thin profile. When it was officially launched in 2022, the watch sparked controversy over its unconventional design, yet it nonetheless demonstrated Richard Mille’s horological prowess. It also edged out Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra, which debuted the same year, to claim the title of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch.

For over a century, Van Cleef & Arpels has pushed the boundaries of jewellery design, pioneering poetic techniques and setting new creative standards. To showcase its deep design heritage, Van Cleef & Arpels has unveiled The Art of Movement exhibit in Sydney, starting April 2025.

Jacob & Co unveils the latest edition of The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon, featuring a stunning world map dial and welcoming a tourbillon at its heart.

Rarer and more expensive than diamonds, Myanmar’s famous ‘pigeon blood’ rubies have long been the most coveted stones on the market – but rubies from other origins are now gaining in popularity...

The significance of the snake is deeply rooted in rich symbolism, drawing from ancient Chinese myth, where the creature is seen as a symbol of wisdom and transformation. It is also renowned for its mystique, strength and ability to shed its skin, embodying renewal and resilience. These powerful traits have inspired some of the world’s leading watchmakers to embrace the Wood Snake tradition.

Franck Muller continues its quest in crafting timeless creations by marrying together the beauty of high jewellery and the complexity of haute horology in the new Round Skeleton Baguette 31. This iconic piece is part of the Maison's Asia Pacific Exclusive collection. It is also the latest addition to the Round Skeleton lineup but made more unique, thanks to the baguette-cut diamonds and coloured gemstones that adorn the bezel and case.

In 2016, Swiss watchmaker Hublot partnered with Maxime Plescia-Buchi, founder of Sang Bleu, to bring tattoo artistry into the world of haute horology. Together, they transformed intricate geometric tattoo art into wearable timepieces and released over a dozen designs, including the Big Bang Sang Bleu.

MB&F's fruitful decade-long partnership with L’Epée 1839 has produced some memorable machines and mechanisms, 15 of them to be exact. The StarfleetMachine, for instance, wowed audiences as an intergalactic spaceship-cum-table clock with double retrograde seconds. Grant, on the other hand, was a combination of what seemed to be a reconfigured futuristic tank, having a clock as a shield on its back.

Jacob & Co is one of the most recognized luxury watchmakers for its horological expertise, as well as its use of high-end materials in crafting great complications. Each masterpiece has made its benchmark around the world and became a true collector's item, just like the Billionaire Timeless Treasure watch which fused high jewellery and horology together and was only available in a limited release of 21 pieces.

In 2022, Grand Seiko released the first Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon, a complication that houses a tourbillon and a constant-force mechanism as one unit on a single axis. It was the first time in horological history that one timepiece holds both complex mechanisms, which is the reason why it garnered the Chronometry Prize at that year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This year, Grand Seiko unveils its daybreak counterpart to complete the portrayal of light and dark in its Kodo collection.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms traces its origins to the navy, like many iconic dive watches of its era. In the early 1950s, the French Navy challenged watchmakers to create a timepiece that could withstand underwater operations. At the helm of Blancpain was CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter, an avid diver whose passion shaped the watch’s design. His hands-on approach led to a timepiece prized by militaries worldwide, including those of Pakistan, Germany, and the United States.

Hublot first began its partnership with renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami in 2021, united by a shared vision of creating timepieces that are exceptional, as they are functional. These include the Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks that are paired with unique pieces.

Wolf is a renowned British-based luxury brand that curates the most exceptional watch winders and jewellery boxes. It has gone through five generations of the Wolf family line and has continuously operated since its inception in 1834. This year, Wolf celebrates its 190th anniversary by releasing five limited-edition collections, each inspired by its five generations.

Chaumet's latest High Jewellery capsule collection 'Bamboo' is more than just an ode to nature—it’s a testament to the French jeweller’s 240-year legacy and unparalleled savoir-faire. This highly curated 10-piece capsule collection draws inspiration from Asia, in particular the bamboo motif.

After their vibrant 2021 collaboration with the LM FlyingT Allegra, high jewellery Maison Bulgari and Swiss watchmaker MB&F partner once more to reimagine the iconic Bulgari Serpenti – blending heritage with bold innovation.

The Marine Equation Marchante 5887 is arguably one of Breguet's highly technical timepiece, featuring a 43.9-mm diameter case and an ultramarine face that first came out in 2017. Three years later, the tourbillon collection was reimagined in warm reflections of pink gold, complemented with a beautiful chocolate-coloured dial.

In the history of bad deals, the one between Pierre Cartier and the Plant family likely tops the list. This was in 1916, when pearls were considered the most valuable objects in the world. Cartier had put together two strings of 55 and 73 ‘perfect’ pearls, touting it as their most expensive necklace ever.

Tiffany & Co. is a name that suggests a tradition of creative excellence. Whether it's Paulding Farnham's dazzling orchid brooches of the late 19th century or Jean Schlumberger's fantastical enamel bangles of the '50s, the Maison's pieces communicate such sculptural and poetic magnetism.

Moonphase complications are among the oldest and most intricate movements in horology, requiring exceptional precision. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a watch but also showcase the complexity and attention to detail involved in its creation. In its latest masterpiece, Glashütte Original reinterprets the moon, offering a glimpse of its captivating aura within the PanoLunarInverse.

IWC Schaffhausen first introduced the Ingenieur in 1955 as an antimagnetic wristwatch designed for civilian use, marking a significant milestone for the Maison. The timepiece gained even greater prominence in the 1970s when renowned Geneva watch designer Gérald Genta reimagined and transformed it into a stainless-steel luxury sports watch.

Since 2013, IWC Schaffhausen has forged a profound partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, becoming its ’Official Engineering Partner’. The Maison crafted the first official team watch in 2022 with the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition, followed by the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 in 2024.

“I believe in the healing powers of emeralds,” says John Glajz, founder of the Glajz-THG jewellery house. “It’s been a lucky stone for me for many years.”

When MB&F first introduced the limited-edition series of its Legacy Machine (LM) Split Escapement in 2021, it brought the novels of French author Jules Verne to life through an intricately hand-engraved dial crafted by Eddy Jaquet.

Skeleton timepieces represent a statement of engineering excellence for the world’s finest luxury watchmakers. For the house of Cartier, watchmaking often incorporates rich elements of art and breathtaking jewellery design.

Most have come to associate Jacob & Co with lavishly radical watchmaking. Each piece is an exercise in bold complications using traditional methods. Its Opera Godfather Musical Watch is no different. This limited-edition release, with its mechanical musical box and triple-axis gravitational tourbillon, enjoys the quintessential features of a definitive Jacob & Co classic.

Only a handful of watchmakers focus on the thrills of mechanical depth like Rebellion. Its translucent skeletonised cases and elegantly sportier character are indicative of a passion for motorsport. The spirit of the brand's timepieces is synonymous with that of a sportscar: light, stylishly bold, high octane and visually stunning.

When you've mastered the full suite of mechanical complications – including an extraordinary phases of the moon dial complete with orbiting satellite – where to next? For Bovet 1822, it was a step back from engineering, and into art.

De Bethune is among the most innovative watchmakers in operation today. So it seems apt to ask the company’s CEO, Pierre Jacques, how he drives his team to remain inventive and inspired. Jacques deflects all praise in this regard to his partner in the business, De Bethune cofounder and master watchmaker, Denis Flageollet.

The world of gemstones spans a kaleidoscope of colours beyond the big four. D&A Jewelry is on a mission to introduce this universe to Singapore’s sophisticated collectors.

When Fatemeh Laleh assumed the role of International Communication and Image Director at Piaget, the company’s CEO Benjamin Comar asked her what she thought of the brand. Beyond a loose awareness of the logo, Laleh says she struggled to answer. “I’m not capable of telling you what the brand is today,” she told her new boss, with remarkable candor.

Back in June, Blancpain celebrated its Bathyscape collection with a contemporary ceramic reinterpretation. The Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune incorporated the Maison's innovative calendar DNA with the Bathyscape's signature diver aesthetics and functionality, adding another layer to the series' proud history.

As a younger player in the prodigious world of Swiss watchmaking, Emera prides itself in its sense of creativity and horological ingenuity. The Maison's collections are exercises in new aesthetic frontiers, opting for more futuristic styling laced with centuries-old mechanical practices. This is especially evident in one of its flagship pieces, the Cyborg Exoskeleton Tourbillon Super Structurae.

In the realm of luxury aviation watches, IWC Schaffhausen has earned itself quite the reputation, thanks to its use of ceramic and titanium, functional calendar complications and the iconic moon phase calendar.

Franck Muller's spirit of collaboration is most evident in its work with contemporary art world. The Maison has worked with the likes of Loes van Delft, Hom Nguyen and Daniel Arsham, among others, to create some of its most fascinating modern timepieces. And its latest Cintrée Curvex piece with Japanese artist Ryoko Kaneta is no different.

The famed Classique Double Tourbillon 'Quai de l’Horloge' is arguably the ultimate homage to the richness of Breguet's history. It was with the piece that the Maison would introduce the world to the idea of the tourbillon, which would eventually be patented by Abraham Louis-Breguet himself. All these years later, its latest reiteration, the 5345 in rose gold, still references the same styling cues, as well as Breguet's legendary birthplace in Paris.

Bulgari's 2024 Aeterna collection is the conclusion of 140 years of intricate and powerful expressions. There's a sense of eternity found here that mimics the character of the Eternal City herself, Rome. And among them, the Aurea Chandra choker stands tall as one of the Maison's most riveting pieces, showcasing a certain opulence that combines new-age jewellery design with Roman splendour.

From Maria Félix's crocodile necklace to the Panthère de Cartier, Cartier's legacy is symbolic of an old-world grandeur that had once been reserved for royals and aristocrats. Each piece it crafts has become a symbol of individuality and beauty. Such is the case for one of its most iconic creations, the Trinity, which also happens to be celebrating its centennial year.

Thinking about the Aeternitas Mega, one can't help but appreciate this masterclass in Franck Muller's technical prowess. It's only fitting that the most complicated watch in the world (built with a whopping 36 complications and 1,483 components) is made by the master of complications themselves. This piece encapsulates the brand's commitment to horological innovation. It's a philosophy that has defined its iconic collections since the introduction of the Cintrée Curve in 1987.

The first thing that comes to mind with Roger Dubuis is its distinctive architectural designs and sharp aesthetic quality. In particular, its skeletonised dials allow the wearer an intimate look with the intricacies of the mechanical movements. Each timepiece boasts a unique expression that is sure to impress even the most savvy collector

Nearly 70 years later, Blancpain's Bathyscape collection still enjoys quite the notoriety among watch collectors. The daily-use version of the iconic Fifty Fathoms collection, and its decreased diameter, made it one of the most celebrated diver's watches ever. Recently, the Maison introduced a contemporary reinterpretation of such with the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune.

It was only in 2020 that Grand Seiko introduced a jewellery watch into its Masterpiece Collection. The iconic Lion would be replaced by the regal white lion, and soon enough, Spring Drive jewelry timepieces would set a new standard for the Maison. At Watches and Wonders Geneva, the latest Spring Drive 8-day jewellery would be met with a glorious reception, leading to some of the most sought-after divers in the world.

Each piece in Bulgari's 2024 Aeterna collection traces its roots all the way back to the brand's birthplace. For its 140th anniversary, this latest set of coloured gemstones honors the Eternal City herself, fittingly introduced at Rome’s Terme di Diocleziano earlier this May. With it comes expressions that embrace the intricacies of its past while celebrating the complexities of its present.

In the world of haute horology, these watches stood out as symbols of refinement, horological ingenuity and enduring style. These rare timepieces exuded a particular feminine grace, a kind of unique charm that captivated its fellow Maisons. From sleek minimalist designs to intricate complications and timeless accents, these revered expressions paid homage to women's place in the watchmaking industry.

"The chronograph complication holds a dear place in our Maison," Roger Dubuis Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Sadry Keiser says. "Mr. Roger Dubuis was passionate about traditional horological complications, so when he launched his company in 1995, he included a chronograph calibre in the very first watches he created."

At this year's Frieze Art Fair in New York, independent curator and Apsara Studio founder Jenn Ellis would unveil the product of an artistic collaboration brokered by Breguet and Frieze a year ago.

Known as the 'Florence on the Elbe', the city of Dresden is often associated with romantic landmarks. Whether it's the Frauenkirche, the Academy of Fine Arts or the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the city's most important icons were made to stand the test of time. Right in the middle of this is where Glashütte Original established its operations, taking mostly from styling cues prevalent in the 19th century.

If there's one feature that distinguishes IWC Schaffhausen from the rest, it's the revered perpetual calendar. The horological calendar mechanism, first devised by none other than Kurt Klause in the '80s, signaled a turning point. Manual synchronisation was introduced and it became a pillar for haute horlogerie complications from then on.

Few names come close to the horological ingenuity of Blancpain. The brand is commonly associated with watchmaking innovation and craftsmanship. And the Villeret Quantième Perpétuel offers its own unique expression, featuring the complex perpetual calendar, as well as the under-lug correctors.

Since its inception, Piaget's savoir-faire is often defined by their daring creativity. In the late '50s, it announced its reintroduction to the world in the form of the first ultra-thin clockwork: the Altiplano collection. The Maison's groundbreaking new movement remains one of the most historically significant innovations in the 20th century, blurring the distinction between art and timepiece.

It was only two decades ago when Ulysse Nardin introduced an unorthodox timepiece in the face of 'Freak.' At the time, it was heralded for breaking the rules of traditional watchmaking: no dial, no hands and no crown. It was a risk when it was released but has since proven to be a groundbreaking timepiece with a deconstruction concept ahead of its time.

When Caroline Murat, Napoleon Bonaparte's younger sister, imagined Breguet's first wristwatch in 1810, she had Abraham-Louis Breguet create a timepiece worthy of her pedigree. Thus, the introduction of a series that would culminate in the world-famous Reine de Naples line. In honor of Women's Month, Breguet debuts a fresh new silhouette in the 8918.

When Franck Muller's Long Island watch first hit the market in 2000, it was revered for being a true homage to the Art Deco movement, with its curved rectangular case and rectilinear, arched numerals. It was a tasteful, innovative rendition of the Novecento style. More than two decades later, the renowned series gets reconfigured and revitalised with the Franck Muller Long Island Evolution.

It's easy to forget how transformative the first release of the Hublot Big Bang was in 2005. It was a timepiece that paved the way for steel, ceramic and rubber to be seen as opulence redefined. From the 'sandwich' construction and 44-mm case to the large pushers and skeleton dial and strap, it has since become one of the most recognisable watches in the world.

It wasn't so long ago that Audemars Piguet’s first Royal Oak concept for women made quite a splash. Launched in 2018, the 18-carat white-gold timepiece featured a flying tourbillon and an array of brilliant or baguette-cut diamonds. At the time, it completely disrupted ideas of what a women’s wristwatch should be

When Hublot first came to Richard Orlinski, the Swiss luxury watchmaker wanted a watch that had the makings of a contemporary piece of art. The collaboration ended up producing the coveted Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinsk, mirroring the celebrated artist's stylised geometric subjects. Now, they've linked up again to create another stunning timepiece in the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski.

Girard-Perregaux gained the reputation of being an iconoclast in watchmaking with the introduction of the Constant Escapement in 2013. A winner of the Aiguille D'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, the timepiece was a masterclass in chronometry and mechanical depth. It was a holographic revelation in many ways, addressing the fundamental concern of amplitude drops in watches.

Collectable blue sapphires are becoming increasingly rare, due to depleting mines and a glut of treated stones on the market. Experts reveal the secrets to discerning truly exceptional blue sapphires.

Leica is a name forged in the history books of photography – with a reputation for precision imaging tools dating back to its foundation as Ernst Leitz Optische Werke in 1869. So what happens when a legendary German camera maker applies its philosophy of fine engineering to an entirely new discipline?

Truth rarely gets in the way of modern folklore. The story of the Cartier Crash is one of those legends that has no close bearing to actual history. It was believed that the owner of a Cartier Baignoire Allongée warped his watch in a car crash, which ended up inspiring the shape of this collection. The truth, unfortunately, is a little less dramatic, but no less interesting. According to Francesca Cartier Brickell’s account of her family’s history in Cartiers: The Untold Story, it was influenced by the spirit of the Swinging Sixties.