The February Birthstone Edit: Amethyst and Purple Watches

The shortest month of the year is certainly not short on style. With many global fashion weeks, Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, NASCAR’s season opener, and awards shows galore, February is rife with occasions for celebration. If you are lucky enough to call this month your birthday, you have even more reason to embrace everything that this chic season has to offer.

From the day of love to sports to trendsetting runway ensembles, February is a time of excitement and renewal. It is also associated with the violet flower and the amethyst gemstone. These purple hues have inspired us to create a collection of watches that embody the aura of February. We hope you enjoy this colorful collection of luxury timepieces made for those with February birthdays and beyond.

Every month of the year is graced with a birthstone, and in some cases, are given more than one. February, however, might just have one of the most memorable birthstones of the entire year. The birthstone for February is the stunning amethyst, a variety of purple quartz that has captured the interest of mankind for thousands of years. Ranging from light lilac hues to deep, provocative purples, amethyst can be cut into many shapes and sizes, making it excellent for jewelry and inspiring for purple-toned watches as well.

The history of the amethyst is long and storied, and it is part of royal collections of jewels from Europe to Southeast Asia. The color purple has long been associated with royalty, and amethysts are also known for their connections to personal empowerment and inner strength. In antiquity, ancient Greeks thought amethysts to be linked to Bacchus, the god of wine and merriment, due to its wine-like color. In the Renaissance era in Europe, amethyst was thought to offer calming properties, grounding lovers who were overrun by passion. Further, it was considered a helpful talisman, or token, to keep warriors sharp and alert in battle.

In the 1800s, amethyst was considered especially valuable after Catherine the Great, empress of Russia, developed a penchant for the stone. She had numerous pieces of amethyst jewelry, and thus, the stone rose to further renown as a symbol of wealth and aristocracy. For those who celebrate their birthdays in February, a piece of amethyst jewelry or a watch inspired by this stone’s vibrant color can be an excellent way to honor your own strength and power. Additionally, amethyst is typically associated with the sixth wedding anniversary, and purple items can be a thoughtful way to honor this important milestone.

If you were born in February, take advantage of the opportunity to embrace your birth month’s hallmark gemstone. The purple amethyst hails from a long tradition of royal wear and designer jewelry, and its rich hues are inimitable. Ranked at 7 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, the amethyst is durable enough for everyday wear, but may not be the best choice for high-touch jewelry like rings or watches. With that in mind, we have embraced the spirit of the amethyst to bring you a selection of purple watches that evoke February’s delightful birthstone. One of them just might be the perfect birthday gift for that special someone on your list.

There is no doubt in the horological sphere that the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the great watches of the millennium. Since the collection debuted with much fanfare in 1972, the Swiss masters behind the watch have continued to innovate on this timeless classic, introducing popular complications like the chronograph variation you see above. Here, the iconic Royal Oak silhouette, complete with its exposed screws, octagonal bezel, and integrated bracelet, receives a contemporary lift. The 18K white gold watch is decorated with a “frosted” finish, lending a unique look to its exposed surfaces. The dial, colored a striking plum, is graced with three silver subdials, on which the chronograph displays its work.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the place where luxury timekeeping and sports watches collide, and its original debut changed the watch world forever. Over 50 years later, this trendsetting timepiece remains a staple of any serious collector’s wishlist. Choosing a unique and innovative twist on the classic offers an opportunity to honor horological history while still showcasing your own distinct personality.

Rolex has been dubbed “The Crown” for good reason: Its gorgeous designs never disappoint. This elite brand’s lineup runs the gamut from rugged and adventurous professional watches to stunning, gem-set formal timepieces. This 36 mm Day-Date falls into the latter category, showing off Rolex’s propensity for high-jewelry twists on its perennial favorite collections. Here, the traditional Day-Date silhouette gets an upgrade with a lavender jade carousel diamond dial, encapsulating a combination of ethereal beauty and precision gem-setting. Of course, Rolex leaves room for the collection’s hallmark features: a day of the week window at the 12 o’clock position and a date display at the 3 o’clock position.

While the luminous light purple dial immediately draws the eye, it is far from the only touch of luxury to grace this elegant timepiece. Diamonds adorn the bezel, the carousel decoration on the dial, and even the integrated bracelet itself, running down the middle link of Rolex’s iconic Presidential design. The refined character of this watch is balanced with the playful color and whimsical concentric circle design that renders its dial a veritable masterpiece.

A more recent addition to the world of luxury watches, Richard Mille was founded in just 2001. Twenty-five years later, this prestigious brand has established itself as a trusted peer to companies two centuries its senior. With six-figure price tags, countless celebrity and athlete partnerships, and distinctive looks that are sure to turn heads, Richard Mille watches are a collector’s dream. This RM 07-01 is part of a chic line of brightly colored ceramic pieces that boldly fuse precision engineering and cutting-edge materials.

Though Richard Mille watches may look bulky, they are actually anything but. Unconventional material choices like carbon TPT and ceramic render these new-age timepieces durable, comfortable, and eminently wearable. As such, it should come as no surprise that they have gained an avid following among enthusiasts and A-listers alike. This RM 07-01 combines bright blue accents with light lavender and deep eggplant tones, creating a fusion of warm and cool color that delights on any wrist. With a 46 mm silhouette, the tonneau-shaped case stands out, calling attention to your signature eye-catching style whenever you wear this watch.

A statement of luxury and sophistication, this Patek Philippe Nautilus shows off rich plum tones on its cushion-shaped dial and comfortable woven strap. Hailing from what may be the most popular line from all of Patek Philippe’s wares, this petite timepiece is both glamorous and memorable, letting its personality shine through all of the classic trappings of haute horlogerie. Elegant yet distinctive, this watch pairs an 18K rose gold case with a diamond-studded bezel and vibrant purple face. The Swiss brand’s commitment to artistry and timekeeping precision shines through from every angle. Whether or not you were born in February, this stunning timepiece is one you will gravitate toward again and again.

Avi & Co. Insights: If you are looking for a slightly more subdued version of this popular Patek Philippe Nautilus style, you are in luck. This exquisite 32 mm timepiece is also available with a rose gold bracelet, limiting the purple hue to a pop of color on the dial. Whichever option you choose, the rich eggplant tone is sure to stand out. Better yet, bring them both home with you.

Here at Avi & Co., we are proud to be one of Manhattan’s premier destinations for luxury watches and fine diamond jewelry. From Rolex to Richard Mille and from Audemars Piguet to Patek Philippe, our three showrooms are stocked with glamorous accessories and collectible timepieces that you will be thrilled to fasten around your wrist. Do not forget to explore our own Avi & Co. watch lines as well as our Diamonds by Avi & Co. jewelry collection for even more sparkle. Whether you visit us in Manhattan, Aspen, or Miami, our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals can help you pinpoint the perfect watch for your own collection or an ideal gift for someone special on your shopping list.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person today. We cannot wait to welcome you into the Avi & Co. family.