Three of a kind: flower power

As watch brands pay greater attention to the world around them and the impact individual businesses have on the global environment, some companies are taking the back-to-nature message straight to the dial. With flora represented through engraving, appliqués, miniature paintings and gemstones, it seems that horticulture is set to be the new face of watchmaking.

Rado True x Great Gardens of the World

Four years on from its initial partnership with Grandi Giardini Italiani, Rado has launched a trio of self-winding watches designed in collaboration with the association. The ‘Chapter 2’ timepiece, seen here, features a hi-tech ceramic case that houses an inky mother-of-pearl dial decorated with jasmine flowers and hours marked by 12 Top Wesselton diamonds. £2,190; rado.com

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36

When Rolex launched its palm motif models this year, it was the green lacquered dials that attracted attention. The Oystersteel and yellow-gold version, however, brings understated elegance to this traditional model. Signatures include a case and Oyster bracelet in yellow Rolesor, a fluted bezel and a magnifying Cyclops lens over the date. Inside beats a Rolex self-winding movement. £8,750; rolex.com

Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Poème Tulipe

Part of the Extraordinary Dials Collection, the Lady Arpels Poème Tulipe is housed in a diamond-set, white-gold case. A field of yellow tulips are depicted in white diamonds, yellow sapphires, black spinels and enamelling techniques. Within the case is a manual-winding movement with 40 hours of power reserve. POA; vancleefarpels.com