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The use of precious stones as material for watch dials is a relatively new concept in watchmaking; It goes back to Piaget’s first series in 1963.. Housed in luxurious, feminine jewel-set cases and exquisite bracelets, these slabs of lapis lazuli, opal, malachite, tiger eye and more were a truly dazzling display. Eventually, one of them landed on Jackie Kennedy’s wrist. This trend really took off in the 1970s with the entry of Rolex, but largely subsided in the 80s, with only a few editions of Must de Cartier surviving.
Last year, a new stone dial trend suddenly became mainstream. Both microbrands and high-end independent brands are taking advantage of the natural variations in stones to create unique dials for the ultimate personal touch. This list focuses on natural stones that are formed on the earth. If you are looking for a meteorite dial, we have another listing for you.. Nacre may be considered a gemstone in the jewelry industry, but as a by-product of nacre from mollusk shells, it does not qualify here either.
Signum Cero Bronze Labradorite
A blue dial and a diver’s watch are a match made in heaven, but a high-quality, high-value diver’s watch with rare multi-colored stones is even better. Labradorite is a type of feldspar first discovered in Labrador, Canada, and its mysterious flash of color is known as labradorescence. Signum has released all kinds of rare dials, but considering the specs, it’s hard to top the Cero Bronze as one of the best value options. Depending on whether a date display is required, it is equipped with a Seiko NH35 or NH38 and is available in case sizes of 39.5 mm or 42.5 mm. 200m water resistance, ceramic bezel insert, sapphire crystal, and solid steel bracelet make it even better. Price: $519
Impossible Watch Co Time Only Malachite
With the utmost care given to the malachite sample used on the dial, the Impossible Watch Co Time-Only is minimalist and classy, perfect for everyday wear. Special examples of malachite show intense horizontal bands of varying shades of green, formed by layers of copper deposits. The stepped bezel on the 28.5mm case provides an additional level of Art Deco sophistication, as does the Beads of Rice bracelet. It is powered by Miyota 82S0 and comes at a relatively affordable price. It also comes packaged in a leather watch case with space for another watch. Price: $755
Nivada Grenchen F77 Lapis Lazuli
A modern recreation of the 70’s Nivada sports watch, the F77 has been transformed into a stunning specimen with the addition of a lapis lazuli stone dial. The 37mm case diameter lends itself to a versatile vintage style. 100 meters water resistant You will be able to legally go anywhere and do anything. The lapis dial gives it a deep blue color with constellations of pyrite, giving it a dynamic texture. This watch is also available from the Time+Tide shop. Price: $1,390
Louis Erard Excellence Petit Seconde Lapis Lazuli
Released in malachite and aventurine versions in 2022, the Louis Erard Excellence Petit Seconds Lapis Lazuli offers one of the most exciting lapis dials I’ve ever seen at an affordable price . Louis Erard is committed to providing its customers with the best possible luxury experience for the least amount of money, using authentic, non-gimmicky artistic influences. This watch, limited to 99 pieces, features a brushed blue and gray finish with rhodium-plated hands and a polished 39mm case. Price: 2,500 Swiss Francs (~2,890 USD)
Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourpileur Moon Phase Aventurine
So, even though this is not actually a natural stone, this kind of aventurine is too popular to completely ignore. It is used in a similar way to stone, but is similarly difficult to work with. The dial plate, made with suspended copper powder and colored glass, is meticulously sliced to ensure even distribution, no imperfections, and an attractive piece with no cracks whatsoever. Must be. of Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourpileur Moon Phase Aventurine This is a particularly gorgeous example of transforming the watch face into the night sky, with the moonphase display completing the astrophotography and the Roman numerals appearing to float in space. Combined with marine chronometer traditionit’s easy to imagine looking up at the stars from the deck of a ship. Price: $13,700
Omega Constellation 29mm
Although most aventurine dials used in watchmaking are glass-based, the process is actually inspired by natural aventurine, a type of quartzite. Capturing a true sense of adventure, the Omega Constellation 29mm is one of the few watch collections that uses natural shapes. The green version is incredibly dynamic, with shimmering cracks running through the coloring and a magical texture that looks like a still image from a television set. The Constellation style is also a perfect fit for this dial, with classic elegance and just the right amount of eccentricity. Price: $11,900
Burnelon Mirage 34
The Berneron Mirage 34’s hand-wound caliber 215 was designed with performance in mind, and its shape an afterthought, rather than a traditional circular movement. The case and dial are formed around it, and it leans into the distorted nature without receding from the sense of luxury. The tiger eye and lapis lazuli stone dials feature thicker slabs than usual to allow the small seconds subdial to be carved from the same stone. This ensures that the particular grain of the piece remains consistent across the dial. Price: CHF 48,000 (~USD 55,600)
Rolex Day-Date 36 Carnelian
rolex It harks back to the 1970s by introducing a variety of precious stone dials. Go to Day-Date 36. Carnelian, as a type of chalcedony, is not one of the most attractive stones on its own, but here it is given a chance to shine with charm. The soft bands, which look like gradients of orange, brown, and red, are reminiscent of a sandstorm scene in the dunes. The yellow gold case supports the warmth of the carnelian without being overpowering, and the diamond-set Roman numerals lend it a carefree, luxurious feel reminiscent of 1970s Rolex. Price: $58,700
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Winding Turquoise
Given the popularity of Tiffany Blue in recent years, it’s no surprise that a solid gold Royal Oak with a natural turquoise dial is an exciting proposition. Turquoise was one of the first gemstones mined by humans, and its bright sky-blue hue has given it much mystical significance to the indigenous peoples of Iran, the Sinai Peninsula, and North America. Housed in a 37mm case in 18K yellow gold, the turquoise is even brighter and more magnificent, with attention to detail as evidenced by the blue date wheel. The contrast between the blue tint of the aquamarine and the dark stripes makes every dial distinctly unique, creating a personal attachment to the watch perhaps more than any other material. Price: CHF 55,200 (~USD 63,675)
BVLGARI DIVA’S DREAM BLACK OPAL
Black opal is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world due to its rarity and vibrant combination of psychedelic colors. The black opal Bvlgari Diva Dream Watch, believed to be of Australian origin, looks like some kind of mystical portal, framed by a gorgeous rose gold case and diamond-encrusted scale bracelet. At 33 mm wide, this attractively petite and moderately slender watch is sure to be noticed and loved. The elaborate gold bracelet is also heavy yet supple, reminiscent of feathers. Price: $71,000
Biver Automatique Atelier Series Petersite
Jean-Claude Biver is one of the most respected figures in watchmaking, and the family brand that bears his name was highly anticipated. of Automatique Atelier Series Although it has a luxurious feel with attention to detail, it is a versatile design that is easy to use on a daily basis. Pietersite is a particularly chaotic variety of chalcedony that I have yet to see on any other watch face, but its velvety blue chatoyancy and jagged edges are reminiscent of the ocean lapping at a coastline at night. It looks like a wave. Paired with a solid rose gold case and brutalist bracelet, it incorporates so many unique elements without losing its sophistication. Price: 108,000 Swiss Francs (~124,810 USD)
