Culture & Style
Why a Diamond Watch Is the Smartest Accessory You Can Own
A diamond watch isn’t just a luxury. It can be a wise investment you wear every day. Discover how to shop for one that holds its value, turns heads, and becomes an heirloom.
June 24, 2025
Written by: Grant Mobley
Among all the pieces of fine jewelry that a person might own in their lifetime, none is quite as versatile, meaningful, or enduring as a great watch. It’s a timekeeper, a style statement, and often, the ultimate symbol of accomplishment. When you include a touch of diamonds, the billion-year-old gems transform a watch into something far more extraordinary: an heirloom that transcends generations and holds its value in more ways than one.
Today, the diamond watch is emerging as one of the most coveted luxury items, not just among collectors but among a new wave of enthusiasts who understand that a well-chosen watch with natural diamonds isn’t just beautiful; it’s a wise investment and a legacy in the making.
Meet the Expert
- Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
- He is a GIA Diamonds Graduate.
- He has over 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores.
Why Choose a Natural Diamond Watch? The Heirloom You Wear Every Day
Unlike other pieces of fine jewelry, which are often reserved for special occasions, a watch is typically worn daily. It becomes an integral part of your visual identity and personal signature. That’s why choosing a diamond watch that stands out yet stands the test of time is so important. When you add natural diamonds to the mix, you’re adding not only beauty and craftsmanship but timeless value—literally.
Natural diamonds have been on Earth for billions of years. They are rare, finite, and inherently valuable. When you set a timepiece with these extraordinary gems, you’re embedding it with something far more precious than beauty alone: you’re embedding it with permanence, meaning, and authenticity.
And the beauty of a diamond watch? It doesn’t need to be flashy to be impactful. A simple bezel of brilliant white diamonds or even just a few diamonds marking the hours can elevate the look of a classic timepiece from utilitarian to iconic. It’s not about status; it’s about choosing something that will matter just as much to the next generation as it does to you.
Diamond Watches Are More Attainable Than You Think
While it’s true that some diamond watches command six-figure price tags, not all do. In fact, many luxury brands offer diamond watches in price ranges that may surprise you. Brands like Cartier, Rolex, Omega, and even Chopard offer pieces that incorporate natural diamonds in subtle, refined ways, with entry points starting under $5,000, particularly on the pre-owned market.
In today’s growing secondary watch market, you can find pre-owned diamond watches in exceptional condition for a fraction of what you may think. And unlike most mass-produced fashion accessories, a well-made diamond watch rarely loses its value. If anything, the scarcity of natural diamonds and the ongoing demand for high-quality timepieces mean that certain watches, especially those from respected Swiss houses, often appreciate in value over time.
Shop For the Perfect Diamond Watch Under $5,000
Longines Grande Classique Diamond Watch, $2,035, watchfinder.com
Tudor Glamour Date Diamond Watch, $3,185, analogshift.com
Cartier Ballon Bleu Diamond Dial Steel Ladies Watch, $4,892, swisswatchexpo.com
Oris Artelier Grande Lune, Date Diamonds, $2,695, bobswatches.com
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, $3,802, chrono24.com
A Diamond Watch is A Wearable Store of Value
We often think of luxury watches and diamonds as indulgences. While that is true, when chosen wisely, they can also be one of the smartest purchases you make. A diamond watch, especially one with natural stones and mechanical craftsmanship, can function as a wearable savings account. It’s something you enjoy every day, but it’s also something that holds, if not increases, its value over time.
Compare that to a gadget or a car, which depreciates the moment it leaves the store. A well-selected diamond watch, particularly from top brands or limited series, will often retain 80%–100% of its value and, in some cases, far more. Vintage diamond Rolexes, Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks with diamond bezels, or Cartier Panthères with pavé dials are all examples of pieces that now sell for multiples of their original price.
And let’s not forget the emotional value. When a father passes a diamond watch to his daughter or a mother to her son, the story embedded in those diamonds carries more weight than any certificate of authenticity. It’s not just jewelry; it’s a legacy.
Find a Diamond Watch Between $5,000-$10,000
BREITLING Super Chronomat, $8,350, the1916company.com
CARTIER Ronde Diamond Watch, $9,950, the1916company.com
Rolex Datejust 36 16203 Silver Diamond Dial, $8,295, bobswatches.com
Chopard Happy Sport White Dial Ladies Watch, $8,499, phigora.com
CARTIER Tank Francaise, $6,950, the1916company.com
Piaget Ladies Diamond Watch, $6,950, analogshift.com
CHANEL J12 Watch, $7,450, the1916company.com
How to Choose the Right Diamond Watch: What to Look For
When shopping for a diamond watch, there are a few key things to look for:
- Craftsmanship: Stick with reputable watchmakers. Look for automatic or mechanical movements, sapphire crystals, and stainless steel or precious metal cases.
- Provenance: If buying pre-owned, shop through trusted resellers or auction houses to ensure authenticity and condition.
- Design: Choose something that suits your style. Classic shapes, such as the Cartier Tank or Rolex Datejust, work just as well with a tuxedo as they do with jeans. A little diamond sparkle goes a long way and ensures that even decades from now, your watch still turns heads.
Retail Vs. Pre-Owned Diamond Watches
For those fortunate enough to secure one of the most coveted diamond watches directly from a boutique, often after months or even years on a waiting list, the reward can be more than just the thrill of ownership. These ultra-in-demand pieces, much like the elusive Hermès Birkin bag, are produced in limited quantities and are so in demand that they often command significantly higher prices on the secondary market than at retail. In fact, many buyers see an immediate return on their investment, with resale values soaring above original price tags.
However, if you’re not chasing one of these unicorn watches, shopping in the pre-owned market is often the smartest move. It allows you to find exactly what you want, sometimes even rare, discontinued models, at competitive prices, often with the added benefit of steady or increasing value over time.
With prices continuing to rise, there is no better time than now to consider a diamond-set watch, whether for yourself or as a gift. It’s both practical and luxurious, and the price per wear is likely to beat anything in your closet. It’s a meaningful investment you can wear on your wrist, and more importantly, it’s something you’ll treasure for decades and pass on with pride. In this world of fleeting trends and fast fashion, the diamond watch stands apart.
Shop for a Diamond Watch Over $10,000
Cartier Tank Americaine, $14,950, the1916company.com
CARTIER Santos, $10,950, the1916company.com
OMEGA CONSTELLATION Watch, $16,900, tourneau.com
Rolex Datejust 116244 Stainless Steel Silver Index Dial, $14,495, bobswatches.com
Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref 18138 Diamond Case, $26,995, bobswatches.com
