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Pendant watches have long blurred the line between haute horlogerie and fine jewellery. Originating in the 16th century, they became status symbols among European aristocracy, prized for their artistry as much as their functionality. By the 19th and early 20th centuries, watchmakers like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Cartier perfected the craft, creating intricate, gem-set designs where the dial was often hidden behind an ornate cover.
One of the defining characteristics of vintage pendant watches is their use of precious and semi-precious stones for dials (lapis-lazuli, malachite, tiger eye…), each offering a unique aesthetic. These materials require exceptional craftsmanship as they are fragile and must be carefully shaped into thin, polished dials.
Today, brands like Piaget and Cartier still incorporate such stones in high-jewelry watchmaking. Though largely replaced by wristwatches in the 20th century, pendant timepieces are making an elegant return. In 2023, Richard Mille unveiled the RM S14 Talisman Origine, a sapphire-cased pendant watch adorned with rhodonite crystals, created exclusively for the charity auction ‘Only Watch’.
Meanwhile, Hublot partnered with the artist Daniel Arsham to reinterpret the pocket watch as a wearable pendant, fusing contemporary sculpture with horology.
Most recently, Timothée Chalamet reignited interest in pendant watches, wearing the Cartier Féline at the 2025 SAG Awards. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, with a Côtes de Genève motif and diamond accents, his choice echoed past icons like Rihanna, proving that pendant watches are no longer just vintage relics.
From royal courts to red carpets, pendant watches have always embodied craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury. Whether vintage or contemporary, they remain a testament to the timeless connection between horology and high jewellery.
Would you wear a pendant watch today?
