A limited-edition sensation

Let me be frank: I am not a watch person. (I know, not the best start to a watch-centric post, but let me explain). The relatively inexpensive Kate Spade piece that I wear from time to time doesn’t even have a working battery anymore—I just think it looks pretty. My iPhone serves me well for purposes of time-telling and beyond, and don’t even get me started on the Apple Watch. Still, while a certain friend of mine (and possibly yours!) is doing some fierce work to shine a spotlight on watches—particularly, no, solely, from the point of view of women—I can’t help but be inspired to learn more, if only to glean an understanding or to soak in even an ounce of that infectious passion. Oh yeah, and then there’s this. This unbelievably inspiring, jaw-dropping work of art. I feel a bit strange writing about a watch; I just don’t have that much knowledge as far as timepieces are concerned. But an appreciation for beauty and devastatingly careful craftsmanship—especially when it’s so apparent—is a weakness. So while I can tell you that Carl F. Bucherer‘s Pathos Swan timepiece features a mother-of-pearl dial, domed sapphire crystal, and a water-resistance of 3 atm, I’m only casually aware of what it all means. But when I tell you that the 18k white and rose gold masterpiece is adorned with 922 glittering diamonds and sapphires—decorating the case, the dial, and the strap—know that I am positively feeling that. I’m in awe of the dance the gemstones perform on its face, swirling to form the shape of a swan, while also appearing as the petals of a flower to my eyes. I like that the piece is so feminine in its choice of icon and gemstone color—the pink and purple sapphires paired with the satiny rose gold is a delight—but it’s not too feminine; we catch sight of the two-tone metal, the chunky (ish, in relative terms) band, the thick case. This jewelry watch, a name that makes total, perfect sense, is so exceptional, even the watch-illiterate, like me, can’t help but be in love. And for those or those with customers super crazy about this piece, take note: The watch is limited to 88 pieces, each manufactured exclusively on request. It’s also available entirely in rose gold (I personally can’t resist the warm/cool look of the two-tone!).

Pathos Swan limited-edition watch in 18k white and rose gold with 922 fancy sapphires and diamonds, $182,000

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor