Timepieces- Harry Winston Cluster of Time

If you think the wristwatch is obsolete for telling time, then I assure you the handy ticker has nothing on the pocket watch. But since watchmakers seem to have exhausted the oversized trend that blossomed over the past few years, I suspect they're hoping pocket watches will become the new collector cult favourite.

Glashütte Original No. 1

This year saw several interesting pocket watches. Most elegant I think was the Glashütte Original No. 1, handsomely sized gold piece with a clean and simple Roman numeral enamel dial, a material the watchmaker is very gifted at working with.

Hublot Liberty Bullet

The more bizarre pieces that showed up this year are the Chopard L.U.C Louis-Ulysses The Tribute and the Hublot Liberty Bullet watch. The Chopard piece features a mechanism that allows the case of the watch to be worn on a leather strap or a bracelet and also to be fitted as a pocket watch. The Hublot piece is even more outrageous. The bulky piece, shaped like bullet (!!!) can also be worn both as a wristwatch and a pocket watch.

Chopard L.U.C. Louis-Ulyesse The Tribute

Seems there's not much in the ladies department in terms of pocket watch. Well, maybe with the exception of Breguet's various ladies' pieces. Most recently generating a bit of a buzz (really, just a bit?) is the recreation of the Marie Antoinette No. 1160. One of the many pieces commissioned by the Queen, she sadly never witness the splendid glory of the piece in her lifetime.

Breguet Marie Antoinette No. 1160

While I love the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into producing these pieces, I'm also a strong believer in the idea that a good watch should be practical. Dare I say that all of the pieces I mentioned are just an extravagant showcase of the watchmakers talents. This excessive showmanship has little user value in my eyes. Albeit, they're undoubtedly coveted treasures for serious collectors.

I truly think there are only two reasons why anyone would want a pocket watch- 1. a genuine appreciation for the traditional artisanship that goes into crafting a beautiful, intricate timepiece and 2. to put on a show.

Harry Winston Cluster of Time

Well, I think Harry Winston just gave women everywhere a third reason to covet a pocket watch- The Cluster of Time.

This is a bit of a cross between pocket and pendant watch. I think there's nothing chicer than being discreet. Hence, if I were ever lucky enough to own something like this, I would definitely wear it as a pocket watch.

Several cuts of diamonds are used to build this piece. Each of the diamonds on the back are set at an angle to create volume and depth. The face side of the piece is equally sparkling, with a full pave of stones. It hangs on a long diamond chain that can easily loop twice around the neck.

The watch is designed to be read lifted upwards, hence the hands seem to be moving in the 'wrong' direction when hanging from the chain

It's probably the most likeable women's timepiece of the year. It's a beautiful pendant and it's a watch, which makes it perfect even for ladies who don't care so much about watches. The way the diamonds are set on an angle allows them to catch the light any way you position the piece.

Harry Winston is great because it's one of the very, very few jewellery houses that's really got a good hand on watchmaking. It's not making watches just to move sales. The passion the house puts into fine complication watchmaking, as seen in the Opus series which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is unquestionable. So, although the Cluster of Time is awe-inspiring, it's no surprise our man Harry is capable of creating a jewellery timepiece of this calibre.