DeGrisogono

Jewels and high-fashion design. What else do you need in such a watch? This particular piece capitalizes on the new "brown" trend, of watches where brown is a prominent color. The Instrumento Tondo RMS58 by de Grisogono (for women) looks as though it has been dipped in a number of caramel varieties. I feel like I should be seeing the "making of" this watch on Food Network's "Unwrapped" television Show. It just looks so much like candy.

Aside from the mocha brown guilloche machine engraved 18k pink gold dial, the warm brown tones come from 94 brown diamonds and orange sapphire (almost 7.5 carats of jewels). The look is enhanced by chocolatey tones throughout the watch. While a new look for de Grisogono, the watch displays their standard bold yet refined Italian style (though the brand is Swiss). The dial is still easy to read and contains a power reserve indicator (that looks a bit out of place in design) and a second timezone subsidiary dial. Why no date or seconds hand? At least the watch values legibility. The watch case itself is 18k browny brown gold (not sure about the size, and not kidding, that is the name of the gold that de Grisogono uses). Inside the watch is an automatic mechanical movement, and the case is water resistant to 30 meters.

The strap looks like some manner of chocolate treat, but are a light brown galuchat (stingray). The strap has a fold over de Grisogono clasp again, in browny brown gold (the worst name for gold ever). The final touch is the black diamond set in the crown (you know, for some exoticism right?). Price is gonna be high!

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Judging by the whimsically cute nature of these watches, you might not think them to be serious luxury timepieces. Alas, the Piccolina collection for women from de Grisogono is a fanciful lighthearted collection for the woman who knows how to have a good time. Arriving in a large variety of colors (each a shaded blend of 18k gold) the shapely collection will never claim to suffer from diamond deprivation (or any other gem for that matter).

Seen covered with 578 precious gems (diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or pink sapphires, etc..) the collection is also available with a more sparse jewel gilding, though still with the colored gold case and half bangle bracelet. You'll then find another 38 stones placed on the square bezel measuring 25mm x 30mm in size, and another 20 diamonds on the watch face. Total stone makeup is about 4.24 carats of jewels on each individual watch. Hands and numerals are also done in 18k gold. The movement is quartz, but that isn't likely to reduce the price of this timepiece too much. The watches are as much playful jewelry as they are a serious time-telling tool.


Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

De Grisogono, the jewellry and watch maker, is delving deeper into the world of other accessories by launching a line of new handbags. Completely handmade by Florentine artisans the bags are a combination of the brand's knowledge and cutting edge technology. Designer Fawaz Gruosi has created a lot of contrast in the bags, be it in color or materials or both. The collection includes something for all moods and personality types, from bold brights to calm pastels. Look for the line in De Grisogono stores worldwide.