There is a sense of optimism associated with rainbows, as well as inclusivity.
Bang in the middle, as we are, of Pride month — 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York, which birthed the movement — and with a watch special on our pages, it is only appropriate to wear our pride on our wrists. There’s plenty from the luxury brands, from Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Rainbow to the new Apple 2019 Pride Edition face and sports loop. As India celebrates with marches, movies and workshops (the US embassy in New Delhi tipped its hat with rainbow-hued lighting), here’s what makes the cut.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Openworked “Rainbow”: If the shimmering 18-carat frosted gold case doesn’t grab your attention, how about the bezel, set with 32 baguette-cut, rainbow-coloured sapphires? We particularly like the rhodium-toned, openworked dial, with its pink gold applied hour-markers. Pretty, practical and just about perfect. Watches start from ₹11.5 lakh. Available at the Kapoor Watch Company, Delhi, and Time Avenue, Mumbai
Chopard Imperiale 36mm: The feminine Imperiale collection is a stunner, especially this 36mm. With an 18-carat rose gold case and dial, it comes studded with baguette-cut sapphires in subtly graded shades — from purples through pinks to yellows — and diamond-set lugs. The glossy grey alligator leather strap balances out the bling, giving your wrist some funky action. Approximately ₹63,80,000, at Rose - The Watch Bar, Breach Candy, Mumbai
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow: Flamboyant. Nothing describes the new Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow better. In Everose — a proprietary rose gold alloy that’s resistant to fading — its bezel sports 36 baguette-cut sapphires in a range of graduated colours, along with another 11 gems as hour markers. Price on request (though some bloggers put the cost at approximately ₹67,37,700). Available at Rolex retail partners like Horology.
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Nicky Jam: This limited-edition timepiece is an ode to reggaeton singer, and Hublot brand ambassador, Nicky Jam. Designed in King Gold (an alloy of gold with copper and platinum), with the bezel and dial set with yellow, orange and green sapphires, the colours borrow from Jam’s ‘X’ video, which has over 1.6 billion views on YouTube. All the watches feature the singer’s signature on the crystal caseback. Approximately ₹35.5 lakh, on hublot.com
