When you think of a watch, what springs to mind? A timekeeping accessory that quietly ticks away on your wrist? Or maybe something in gold or silver with a minimalist dial and two hands? If your answer is ‘yes’, then you need to think bigger and bolder! Welcome to the world of ‘iced out’ wristwear, where watches aren’t just about functionality – but about expressing yourself. This trend, popularised by hip-hop culture in the 1980s and 1990s, transformed watches from simple timekeeping devices into powerful fashion symbols.

Gem-setting techniques used for watches, such as pavé, invisible settings, bezel settings or the more intricate snow-setting method, play a critical role in the appeal of these pieces. Each technique requires meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that the stones not only enhance the watch’s beauty but also do not compromise its functional integrity. Brands like Rolex with its Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust or Vacheron Constantin’s Grand Lady Kalla watch have mastered these techniques, producing iconic models that are set with diamonds. Take a look at our favourite iced-out watches on the market today…