Diwali Decode: Dials And Designers You Need To Be Lusting Over This Festive Season

With the official ‘Saturday’ of the year in full swing, Diwali is the time to go all out in every way, so why should your watch stay behind? Here’s a breakdown of the finest watches of the season paired with your favorite Indian designers. 

The slight nip in the air, the smell of tuberoses, the clinking of glasses, laughter, and all things festive, Diwali is the most magical time of the year. Every day is special, every hour demands a dress code and most of all weekdays and weekends blur into happy hours. While glitter, glamour, and all things over-the-top are on the agenda, every aspect demands a cheery disposition, your watches must be on the top of the list. 

Think bejewelled, tourbillons, bracelets that melt onto the wrist, noble metals, the list goes on, but most of all make sure they resonate with you and your look, so let's start from the top, what are the most festive watches this season? 

First up, necklaces as watches? Yes please. While this has been a tradition that existed about a century ago, secret watches have a way of creeping into your wardrobe in the festive season and instantly becoming a must-have. Take Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Secret Watch that was released this year at Watches and Wonders, the diamond rose gold black lacquer wonder allures the wearer to its dexterity with its sleek yet festive appeal. The decadent creation ordinarily won’t need much else to dress it up further but it's Diwali afterall, pair this creation with Sabyasachi’s monochromatic autumn-winter 23/24 collection. To finish the look, think geometric forward accessories like the Shilo heels by Oceedee, the touch of black and molten copper is perfect to offset the watch necklace. 

Effortless glam: Sabyasachi fall/winter 23/24 + Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Secret Watch + Oceedee Shilo heels

For those who like colour to be the focus, think no further than the Cartier Clash [Un]limited, the precious and delicate bracelet-like creation is laden with beads, picot studs, clou carrés, and mobility that flow seamlessly on the wrist. And since artistry and craftsmanship are the guiding beacons for Cartier, combine their ethos with that of Rahul Mishra, the now global favourite’s latest collection We, The People melds the world of his artisans into the embroidery of his creations. Finish the delicate charm of the watch and ensemble with the crystalline beauty of Christian Louboutin’s latest India Wedding Edit collection, The Super Jolie Queen presents a fine case of bling with comfort given the platform heels. 

Delicate elegance: Rahul Mishra Couture 2023 + Cartier Clash [Un]limited + Christian Louboutin India Wedding Edit Super Jolie Queen heelsGold is undoubtedly the colour of the season so why not embody it from one to all? Breguet’s Classique Tourbillon 3358 is one of those quintessential crossovers between fine watchmaking and state-of-the-art gemology that one simply can’t miss. The pave diamond dial is complemented with a tourbillon at 6 o’clock and an alligator leather strap all in champagne gold dazzling the wrist and casting an aura throughout. Pair this with Tarun Tahiliani’s latest After Party collection which embodies simplistic silhouettes with that much-needed touch of sparkle. To tie the whole look together, think no further than the Judith Leiber Slim Slide Galaxy Golden clutch that marries the two aesthetics seamlessly. 

Dazzle diva: Tarun Tahiliani After Party Edit 23 + Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 + Judith Leiber Slim Slide Galaxy Golden clutch

For those who believe in timeless classics, there is always a Rolex that fits the bill. Quite literally screaming Diwali, the all-new Oyster Perpetual in 36mm with the aventurine green dial and diamond-studded Roman hours is the perfect blend between festive and fantastic. The president bracelet, crystalline finished dial all encased in everose gold blends perfectly with Anamika Khanna’s latest couture creations that also features a regal green twist. Pair the look with Outhouse’s Pico Minaudiere bag that blends in with the nano bag trend and doesn’t take away from your look. 

Regal Renaissance: Anamika Khanna Couture 23 + Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 + Outhouse Pico Minaudiere Couture bag

For those who like to mix modernity with traditionalism, make Roger Dubuis’s Excalibur range your new best friend. While the variants have been marquee for the brand, year after year they innovate with materials and styles to make their classic ‘star’ shine. The innovative SpinStones graded from red to blue are coated with Superluminova to shine bright even in the dark, making this a perfect festive option. Pair the futuristic creation with metallic genius Amit Aggarwal’s fluid creations that are crafted from in-house crafted metallic threads. And for a final dash, add Cult Gaia’s Hera Nano shoulder bag which is now available in a fusible pink. 

Future Forward: Amit Aggarwal Metallic Winged sari + Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone™ Monobalancier + Cult Gaia Hera Nano Shoulder bag

While these formulas are full-proof and are sure to light up the season, don’t forget to make your own rules, afterall that's what Diwali is all about—finding your own light.