It is not every day that we get to see marvelous timepieces and secret versions at that. Concealing the dial of a watch with artistry in a dazzling array of gemstones and diamonds requires many hours of work. In olden days, pendants were often designed to hide the timepieces. Today, when watchmakers decide to further push the envelope, we get to see fancy designs with dials hidden beneath a sizeable gemstone, wings, flowers or even a hedgehog.

Let’s look at the inspirations behind some of these stunning high jewelry secret watches. Luxury brand Chanel paid homage to its iconic quilted motif and designed a series of exceptional secret watches for Signature de Chanel high jewelry collection to echo this pattern. Les Eternelles Signature Morganite secret cuff watch, crafted in 18k white gold, has an impressive 43.64 carat pink morganite. Towering over the bracelet like a pyramid, the gemstone flips open to reveal the concealed watch face.

Inspired by the beauty and elegance of the swan, Graff designed a dream Swan watch. A regal swan delicately rests on a satin strap with 6.22 carats of fine diamonds adorning its body and wings. The swan’s neck is embellished with paved diamonds, while rows of diamonds in varying cuts are set to create the illusion of curves and feathers. A small part of the wing slides out to uncover the hidden timepiece with pear-shaped dial, featuring a luminescent mother-of pearl.

The outcome of Cartier’s watchmaking and jewelry designing is a showstopper pendant that transforms into a timepiece – the Tourbillon Mystérieux Azuré pendant watch. Glimmering diamonds are set along geometric motifs on a medallion that features a double tourbillon.

View the secret watches in the Photo Gallery.

Smitha Sadanandan