When it comes to luxury watches that double as fashion statements, few pieces turn heads like a rainbow-set timepiece. Recently, Cardi B did just that during Super Bowl weekend, showing off one made by Audemars Piguet with 32 baguette-cut, rainbow-coloured sapphires on the bezel. It's a striking watch valued at around half a million dollars on the secondary market or around £370,000.
In an Instagram reel shared by celebrity jeweller Benny the Jeweler, Cardi called the watch 'a little gift for me from me.' Apparently, high-end watches have now become bold extensions of personal style and celebrity flair.
For those who love the rainbow bezel trend but don't want to spend six figures, there are plenty of stylish alternatives for you. From dive watches with colourful accents to GMT-inspired designs, here are five options that capture the essence of Cardi's statement piece without the astronomical price tag.
1. GUESS Halo
This Halo Rainbow Crystal Bracelet Watch by Guess offers a sparkling rainbow crystal bezel set against a gold-tone bracelet. Its halo-style design delivers instant wrist drama, making it a standout piece for parties and casual wear alike. Unlike high-end luxury pieces, this watch is accessible for most fashion lovers and injects a playful dash of colour into everyday outfits.
- Best for: Fashion-forward buyers seeking an affordable, eye-catching statement piece.
- Prince: £150–£200
2. Bulova Phantom Rainbow
The Bulova Phantom Rainbow has two variants: a rose-coloured bracelet with a black dial and a gold one with a champagne dial. Either model comes with a rainbow crystal bezel, so you may pick the one that suits you best. Its vibrant colour palette mirrors the gemstone aesthetic of luxury watches while remaining practical for daily wear. Its colourful bezels add personality to conventional shapes, which is a quality this Bulova embodies perfectly.
- Best for: Consumers who want glamorous, wearable luxury-inspired watches.
- Prince: £379
3. Timex Q Rainbow
At the budget-friendly end of the price range is the Timex Q Rainbow, a playful quartz watch that injects colour into every hour sign and bezel detail. While it doesn't feature precious stones, its vibrant palette nods to the rainbow aesthetic that makes Audemars Piguet's piece so eye-catching. It's a great entry-level option for fashion-forward wearers wanting a colourful, cheerful daily watch.
- Best for: Trend-led casual wear and colour enthusiasts.
- Prince: £150–£200
4. OceanX Sharkmaster 1000
For those who want a strong mechanical watch with a hint of bling, the OceanX Sharkmaster 1000 delivers. This watch is a serious diver that can go up to 1,000 meters deep. It has a rainbow-style cubic zirconia crown and a durable automatic movement, making it both sporty and stylish. It's an ideal pick for watch lovers who appreciate both design and performance.
- Best for: Enthusiasts who favour mechanical watches with personality.
- Prince: About €520 (£450)
5. Oris Aquis Date Upcycle
While not a rainbow-gem bezel in the traditional sense, Oris Aquis Date Upcycle embraces unique multi-coloured dials. It's sustainable and stylish at the same time, thanks to its eco-friendly upcycled materials. Each dial is one-of-a-kind, offering subtle colour shifts that can evoke the spirit of a rainbow aesthetic in a more understated way.
- Best for: Environmentally conscious buyers who want uniqueness.
- Prince: £2,000
The Allure of Colourful Timepieces
The rainbow gemstone bezel has become a visual shorthand for bold confidence in recent years. Beyond its sheer sparkle, a multi-colour bezel speaks to a broader trend in watch culture—blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary personality. High jewellery watches like Cardi's Audemars Piguet piece may set the tone for glamour, but accessible alternatives allow anyone to participate in the trend at every budget level.
From playful everyday watches to mid-range mechanical statements, the rainbow bezel movement isn't just for celebrities. With choices spanning from under £200 to a few thousand, there's a colourful wrist companion for every style.
