enamel

Latest from the Angular Momentum Verre Eglomise Artisan Timepiece collection comes these beautiful enamel painted watches in four varieties with three cockatoo painted dials and one kingfisher. The dials are done in verre eglomise which is reverse enamel painting on a sapphire crystal. The paintings are done in reverse and by hand. Using the Angular Momentum Time Gallery watch case these watches are each done in 18k white gold and are between about 40mm - 41mm wide (which probably feels like a good size given the very thin bezel, and yes each is a slightly different size).

Diamonds decorate the thin bezels and lug structures, while each watch has an attached alligator strap. Inside the watch is an automatic mechanical movement. Time is read digitally (this is digital too) through the window placed at 12 or 6 o'clock. The rest of the dial is dedicated to the limited edition paintings. This is not the first time that Angular Momentum has presented enamel paintings of birds, but each new collection impresses me. Interestingly, this collection has three different images of cockatoo birds - each in a different pose - and a beautiful version with a kingfisher bird. I must admit not being sure what the namesake bird of an Indian beer has in common with a popular clever shoulder avian, but I like the watches. Prices are likely at least $25,000 - $30,000 each.

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

This interesting timepiece will arrive in three varieties showing different parts of the world. There is the pictured model showing Asia and the nearby areas, another version focusing on Europe and Africa, and a third version focusing on the Americas. This is another "we can do it" watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre who just recently announced the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie, which is the most complex watch in the world. While the Tourbillon complication is complex in this Grand Master Tourbillon Continents watch line, the focus is on the artistry on the dial.

The dial starts with a machine engraved plate where the continents are outlined, and the vertical texturing is applied within the body of the land masses. The plate is then hand painted with enamel in a champleve technique to apply the various colors in the most delicate of manners. I am almost oversimplifying the process, but you get the idea. The bodies of water are done with a raised wave-like texture that is likely extremely tough to do. Compass symbols line the bezel and double as hour indicators for the hands of the watch. You can see the tourbillon (also the subsidiary seconds dial) through the window at 6 o'clock as part of the Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 978 manually wound movement. Sapphire crystals cover the top and back of the watch. The Grand Master Tourbillon Continents watch really succeeds in creating a visually stunning map in a technique that few companies can be said to have mastered. Each of the three versions will be limited to 20 pieces in three materials that include 18k white, yellow,or rose gold. Not sure about price but more than likely over $100,000.

Via WatchTime.

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

Jay Strongwater's home accents are instantly recognizable for their stunning, old-world appearance. From the Papillion Collection, this sparkly butterfly rests of the stem of a swirled green and topaz glass pear. The butterfly and leaf are hand-painted enamel over metal, accented with hand-set Swarovski crystals. The richness and depth of the pear alongside the delicate butterfly results in a striking piece of art that appears antique and modern at the same time. From stem to base, the piece measures 5.25" high. $525.

Bangles and other solid bracelets seem to be quite popular at the moment, but even the pieces are upscale stores are often just pieces of molded plastic. Fun, perhaps, but not exactly elegant. The Hermes Wide Enamel Bracelet keeps with the trend, but the 2.5" wide piece is made of silver with palladium plating, a combination that is at least a step or three above a plastic bangle. To add color, the bracelet is enameled with either pink or red, and bears a signature "H" at the clasp. Price: $480.

The latest small treasures from Ocie, who make lavish bejeweled miniaudieres, are these new sterling silver accessories. The mirror, card case and a small double picture frame feature enameled designs accented by cabuchon rubies. The suggested retail is $500 to $700. Up close looks at the three new pieces after the jump.