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Best Factory-Set Diamond Watches

With no shortage of factory-set sparkle on the Bezel, we’re taking a moment to consider our favorite diamond-clad watches from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and more.

By

Team Bezel

August 14, 2024

/

9 min read

When precious metals alone just won’t cut it, factory-set diamonds can always be relied upon to give a great watch design a little extra something special. With no shortage of factory-set sparkle on the Bezel, we’re taking a moment to consider a few of our favorite diamond-clad watches from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and more.

Shop Bezel's full collection of factory diamond-set watches here.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5271P-001

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5271P-001

Since Patek Philippe’s founding in 1839, the “Holy Trinity” watchmaker has been internationally renowned for its highly complicated offerings, inventing many of the most sought-after complications now produced by a multitude of legendary manufacturers. Among the Swiss manufacture’s most important complications is the perpetual calendar chronograph, combining two impressive feats of micro-mechanical engineering in one sophisticated package.

In stealthy albeit opulent platinum with factory-set diamonds adorning its case, Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar chronograph-equipped reference 5271P-001 stands out as one of its most striking contemporary complications. Being a Patek Philippe, only the highest-grade stones are employed in this reference’s construction, each boasting internal flawlessness and top-grade coloring.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15451ST.ZZ.1256ST.03


Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15451ST.ZZ.1256ST.03

Since its introduction in 1972, Gérald Genta’s famed Royal Oak has amassed a cult-like following, the likes of which few other watch designs of the modern era can compete. Pioneering the luxury sports watch category in its entirety and paving the way for Patek Philippe’s Nautilus in 1976, the angular Audemars Piguet’s significance simply cannot be stressed enough.

Intensifying the allure of this groundbreaking design, Audemars Piguet now offers the Royal Oak in several diamond-set configurations, including but not limited to the reference 15451ST.ZZ.1256ST.03. True to the roots of its horological legacy, this 37 mm reference is executed in hard-wearing stainless steel, and fitted with a brilliant blue, Grande Tapisserie dial. Its unique combination of stainless steel and factory-set diamonds certainly offers a versatile yet lavish aesthetic.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126505-0002


Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126505-0002

Exceeding expectations with ease, the latest chapter in the legendary sports chronograph's lineage benefits from an upgraded caliber 4131 movement, a slimmer case profile, and a further refined dial design, elevating the forever iconic Daytona to heightened horological territory. Like other generations before it, the Rolex chronograph is offered in a variety of different, dazzling configurations, many of which incorporate factory-set diamonds.

While picking favorites often proves difficult, we frequently look to the reference 126505-0002 when tasked with pointing collectors in the direction of a particularly impressive, diamond-set Daytona. Constructed using Everose, Rolex’s proprietary alloy of 18k rose gold, the triple-register chronograph has an exceedingly luxurious feel on the wrist that’s only furthered by the inclusion of exceptional diamonds marking the hours on its dark slate dial.

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Automatic Ref. 840.029


A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Automatic Ref. 840.029

Though the name A. Lange & Söhne might be most closely associated with highly refined complications from the German town of Glashütte, the historic Saxon watchmaker’s time-only offerings are unquestionably equally compelling. To little surprise, they feature the very same finishing techniques and age-old craftsmanship that have afforded their most complex references such rarified status.

Conveying the hours, minutes, and seconds alone— this tasteful and to-the-point Saxonia flexes the best of A. Lange & Söhne's finishing techniques, as well as rare materials by way of its factory diamond-set bezel, and an iridescent Mother of Pearl dial. Secured to the wrist with a white alligator strap, this 37 mm, 18k white gold reference is most definitely worthy of consideration if you’re after an elegant albeit eye-catching watch.

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126655-0005


Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 126655-0005

First introduced in 1992 as a more luxurious alternative to the date-equipped Submariner, the Yacht-Master has long embodied the lush, laid-back lifestyle of yachting with its differently constructed bezel inserts, highly detailed dials, and further refined case shape. While you arguably can’t go wrong with any Yacht-Master in Rolex’s current catalog, we’d be inclined to suggest that this pavé diamond-set reference is one of the collection’s most attractive pieces and, indeed, among the most desirable.

Being a Yacht-Master 40, the reference 126655-0005 naturally features a versatile 40 mm case, in this instance produced in Everose gold. Staying true to its sporting heritage, this Rolex features a patented Oysterflex bracelet constructed using a highly durable composite and secured with a matching Everose Oyster folding clap.

Chanel J-12 Ref. H5705


Chanel J-12 Ref. H5705

Chanel might not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing fine watches. However, that’s not to say the French haute couture Maison hasn’t produced some truly significant watches over the course of their history to date. Perhaps their most consequential is, of course, the J12, drawing inspiration from the fast-paced world of open yacht racing.

Now regarded as a pioneering force within the world of ceramic-cased watchmaking, the J12 has certainly cemented Chanel’s multi-hyphenated status among luxury goods manufacturers. The reference H5705 has played no small part in developing this renown, shining brightly in a lightweight albeit hardwearing white ceramic, with factory-set diamonds marking each hour on its matte white dial. Powered by a Swiss automatic movement, it’s no slouch from a horological perspective, either.

Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ref. W3PN0006


Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ref. W3PN0006

Often described as the perfect marriage of jewelry and horology, Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier has delighted collectors for generations, resulting in an incomparable, enviable prestige of which other watchmakers could only dream. Now referred to as the “it-girl” watch within collecting circles, its five-piece link bracelet hugs the wrist in a most stylish manner.

With a storied history in the world of jewelry and gems, Cartier’s offering of the Panthère in diamond-set configurations comes naturally.  In the case of this two-tone reference, diamonds surround the entirety of its square-shaped bezel, executed in warm 18k rose gold. With just the right amount of diamonds, it’s hard to resist this reference’s allure.  

Rolex Day-Date 36 “Lapis Lazuli” Ref. 128239


Rolex Day-Date 36 “Lapis Lazuli” Ref. 128239

A truly special execution of the famed Presidential Rolex if there ever was one, this reference follows in the footsteps of many a stone-dial fitted Day-Date reference before it. With its dial crafted out of seldom-seen Lapis Lazuli, this rich blue Rolex is doubly indulgent as a result of the factory-set diamond and Roman numerals that mark the hours.

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