Festive Picks: Luxury Watches That Will Light Up Your Diwali

Whether it's clothes or jewellery, Diwali is an auspicious occasion when we buy luxurious gifts for ourselves and our loved ones. If you are thinking of opting for luxury watches as gifts, GMT India has drawn up a curated list that can come in handy. 

Dress Up to the Nines

These classic dress watches can be perfect additions to your wardrobe for the festive season and beyond. 

Elevated Essentials: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo 

Striking a balance between timeless heritage and modern innovation, Panerai’s Quaranta collection embodies the spirit of the Luminor line with a sleeker look. The new Luminor Quaranta BiTempo takes the narrative forward even with a dual time complication. The compact 40 mm steel case houses the automatic P.900/GMT calibre with a three-day power reserve. The GMT function allows wearers to track local time as well as a second time zone, a must-have for cosmopolitan travellers. The new model is available with a black or white dial and an alligator strap, featuring tone-on-tone stitching and a brushed steel buckle, contrasting with the polished steel bezel for a minimalist yet dynamic look. The PAM01365 displays a matte black dial, paired with white Super-LumiNova® and an additional black rubber strap, while the PAM01367 showcases a matte white dial, combined with grey Super-LumiNova® and a blue rubber strap.

On the Cards: Jacob & Co. Casino Tourbillon

The Jacob & Co. Casino Tourbillon brings the game of roulette to your wrist. Indeed, it’s a perfect accessory for your Diwali parties. Apart from being a stunning conversation starter, the watch also pushes the envelope when it comes to watchmaking complications. The stylish 44 mm case is crafted from polished 18 ct rose gold. The curved caseband, the steep bezel, and the domed sapphire crystal add to its distinctive look. The four lugs initiate the black alligator strap curve, allowing the watch a slimmer profile and making for a more comfortable and ergonomic fit. 

Two Sides: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Gold 

The highly coveted JLC Reverso’s style remains unparalleled. This particular reference (Ref. Q3912530), powered by the Manufacture Calibre 853 with manual winding, combining the Duoface with a complete calendar, offers a magnificent contrast on both sides. The front side reinterprets the aesthetic codes of the brand’s Art Deco-inspired collection, launched in 1931, featuring conic gadroons, applied hour markers, and dauphine hands. The moonphase at 6 o'clock is adorned with a discreet hand, featuring a bright red crescent-shaped tip to indicate the date.

On the reverse side, a different dial with a sunray finish features a bewitching dark grey colour and a night/day disc. The watch offers utmost versatility with a pair of interchangeable bracelets (and buckles), designed by Casa Fagliano. 

Timeless Pursuit: Rolex Perpetual 1908

The latest Rolex Perpetual 1908 pays tribute to the first Oyster Perpetual watches, when it comes to clean aesthetics. Even with its vintage appearance, its movement is characteristic of the brand’s technological innovations. Equipped with Calibre 7140, the watch has a guaranteed power reserve of approximately 66 hours and a high level of chronometric performance (−2/+2 seconds per day).The 39 mm case, crafted from polished 18 ct yellow gold, lends the watch a timeless look, making it a must-have for formal events.

Keep it Sporty: Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date

The brand’s first sport diving watch, Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date, has a stunning grey glacier-inspired dial, crafted using the gratté-boisé technique that adds depth and luminosity. The timepiece is equipped with a unidirectional bi-colour ceramic bezel, a laser-engraved caseback, and a V-shaped interchangeable black rubber strap, which can be easily adjusted for a precision fit. The diving watch makes for a perfect partner, when it comes to adventures, conforming to the ISO 6425 norm for diving watches. It is water-resistant for up to 300 metres. 

Get Your Bling On

For those who don’t shy away from a little bling, these jewellery watches are an impeccable choice for the festive season. 

Bejewelled Beauty: Cartier Baignore with Diamonds

The Cartier Baignoire has recently become a favourite amongst fashion A-listers, such as Kendall Jenner and Emma Chamberlain, with the latter even wearing it as a choker at the Paris Fashion Week. The gold models are great, but for those who want to add a bit of sparkle, the bejewelled Baignore is a perfect option. Here, the 18 ct white gold case is set with brilliant-cut diamonds and even the crown is embellished with a brilliant-cut diamond. 

Shimmering Spectacle: Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Dazzling Moon

The JLC Rendez-Vous Dazzling Moon (Ref. Q3523570) timepiece lives up to its name and delivers a sparkling shine. The moonphase sits in an aperture at 6 o’clock. The moon is set amidst a sea of clouds, against a starry sky. The bezel is fully adorned with diamonds and the charm is magnified by their gem-claw setting. The white mother-of-pearl dial shines against the bright blue alligator strap. The watch strikes a balance between aesthetics and watchmaking, making it an excellent choice for Diwali, especially as the moonphase complication is suitable for the auspicious day. 

Moonlit Elegance: Panerai Luminor Due Luna TuttOro PAM01504

Another moonphase watch, Panerai Luminor Due Luna TuttOro (PAM01504), is presented on a Panerai GoldtechTM bracelet. The distinct alloy is enriched with platinum and copper, allowing the metal to shine in a rich red hue. The bracelet and the case have a mix of both polished and brushed finishes. These timepieces feature curved links for a refined appearance. The 38 mm GoldTechTM case is paired with a mother-of-pearl dial.  

Dazzling Diamonds: Chopard Haute Joaillerie

The resplendent Haute Joaillerie watch collection from Chopard is ideal for those who love glamour. The watch features two rare vivid yellow pear-shaped diamonds that light up the dial at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The precious stones are over two carats and discreetly held by yellow gold prongs, matching the colour of the diamonds. White diamonds adorn the rest of the corolla surrounding this jewellery watch, which is complemented by a grey satin strap in an infinitely elegant symmetrical composition. In keeping with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the watch is made of Fairmined-certified ethical 18 ct gold.  

BVLGARI DIVAS' DREAM Diamond Watch with Topazes and Tanzanites

The pearly face of the DIVAS’ DREAM watch is surrounded by precious petals. The shape draws inspiration from the ginkgo leaf, symbolising the union of opposites. Bvlgari blends hard stones with fluid, fanned petals. The watch is enriched with topazes and tanzanites — gems in brilliant colours, brimming with promise. Shades of blue grace the model. The beauty of polished rose gold at the base of the petals is in perfect harmony with the sparkle of diamonds. Along with a blue alligator strap, the watch is a perfect choice for festive occasions.