The Poetry of Time
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Just like in a fairytale, the history of Van Cleef & Arpels began when the daughter of a precious stone merchant Esther Arpels known as Estelle married Alfred Van Cleef, son of a precious stone craftsman and diamond merchant. In 1906, they created Van Cleef & Arpels and moved into premises at 22, Place Vendôme: the Maison was born. The Van Cleef & Arpels Paris address has remained unchanged ever since, and jewellery collections follow on one from the other, perpetuating a highly original style made up of enchantment, grace and femininity. Demonstrating highlyskilled craftsmanship and a true love of precious stones, they particularly celebrate nature, the delicacy and vitality of which are recreated in the hands of the jeweller-craftsmen. Blossoming flowers, quivering palm leaves, butterflies and dragonflies create the illusion of suspended time... 3
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Watchmaking creations have appeared in Van Cleef & Arpels collections since the 1910 s. The genius of the jeweller s ethos was joined by a mastery of high watchmaking. Van Cleef & Arpels taste for a challenge saw the creation of spectacular clocks known as Mystérieuses (the hands of which appeared to float in space), small precious clocks and, of course, watches. Certain watches, such as the Châtelaines, were also worn as a clip on the back of a shirt-front or a woman s suit, or sheltered in the watch pocket (a small pocket in a waistcoat or pair of trousers). Adorned with precious stones, concealing their dial under a jewellery motif, housed in a Minaudière pouch, they revealed Van Cleef & Arpels technical mastery, careful attention to detail and taste for the fabulous. They were then transformed into bracelet-watches, thus becoming truly indispensable accessories. Cadenas, Alhambra, Charms, Carrelage, Pierre Arpels... Over the course of the collections, Van Cleef & Arpels has produced marvels of jewellerymaking creativity and virtuosity, masterpieces of technical ingenuity at the service of a style; a sensitive, unusual, alternative perception of time. 5
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Continuing this dreamlike journey, in 2006 Van Cleef & Arpels created the first Poetic Complication with a dial that evokes the seasons by turning imperceptibly over 365 days. Creation by creation, highly complex mechanical movements displaying great artistic virtuosity have brought an enchanted world to life. Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery-making genius is expressed here with great panache, and is often joined by other artistic crafts. Masters of enamelling, marquetry and sculpture also lend their precious, rare expertise to these watchmaking creations. This is how the Poetry of Time came into being, a watchmaking world made up of dreams and enchantment, collections in which each timepiece, like a work of art, tells us a tale- another story of passing time. 7
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The Artistic Craft Professions 9
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Painting a landscape, sculpting figures, allowing light to shine through: by adorning the dial in totally unique ways, artistic craftsmen bring Poetic Complication timepieces to life. To accompany the work of its master watchmakers, Van Cleef & Arpels surrounds itself with the greatest talents, those whose expertise is the fruit of passion, of secrets and of time. The heir to a profession at risk of extinction, a student who has completed many years of apprenticeship: each individual places his or her noble craft at the service of the jeweller s creativity. And if Van Cleef & Arpels watchmaking creations allow them to perpetuate their art, they also lead them to reinvent it, transforming every challenge into a creation and production secret. They also provide them with the opportunity of combining age-old craftsmanship with contemporary motifs. It was with this in mind that Van Cleef & Arpels used the vitrail and contre-jour enamelling techniques for the first time, to create the dials of certain Poetic Complications and Extraordinary Dials timepieces. Each motif requires hundreds of hours work, mainly because it is applied to the infinitely limited surface of the dial. The extreme precision of the design requires the craftsman not only to adapt his or her technique, but also to demonstrate great patience and ingenuity in order to give the timepiece all its poetry. It is this virtuosity that will reveal the emotion of these masterful miniatures signed Van Cleef & Arpels. 11
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Gold sculpture The sculptor s art consists of extracting a figure from a block of material and bringing it to life. In order to craft the precious metal, play with its appearance, highlight its reflections and give it a velvety appearance, he first measures it with his gaze, then with his hands. This is because, while his observational capacities and sense of aesthetics are crucial, it is the intelligence of his hands that prevails. It all begins with a plate of gold upon which the craftsman traces the principal outlines of the motif with the aid of a microscope. The difficulty lies in adapting the design to an infinitely reduced scale. He then begins his three-dimensional work, shaping it patiently before turning his attention to the details: accentuating a curve, reproducing a texture, and adding brilliance in order to reveal all of the poetry of the motif. It is light that, when cast over curves and reliefs, will reveal the richness of this miniature work of art. 13
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Gold sculpture is a highly meticulous art that demands perfect technical mastery, and therefore perfect knowledge of the artist s tools. Scribing tools, chisels, gravers and chasing tools (which the craftsman has sometimes created himself ) adapt to the craftsman s every movement and meet his every requirement. Throughout its collections, Van Cleef & Arpels has paid homage to this traditional craftsmanship, for example on the dial of the Féérie timepiece. Seated on a diamond-paved ball, a fairy points to each hour with her magic wand and to each minute with the tip of her wings. From her finely-sculpted arms to the delicious curve of her legs, her entire silhouette suggests movement. We half expect to see her stand up and stretch her legs for a second, before settling down to regulate time once more. 15
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Enamel painting in miniature This extremely ancient technique, dating back to Antiquity, has established the reputation of numerous artists from the Middle Ages onwards. Like a painter with his palette, the enameller-craftsman uses coloured enamels composed of silica powder, very finely-ground pigments, and oil. First, he creates an extremely hard white enamel base, able to withstand the various firings. Then, with the aid of a binocular magnifying glass, the craftsman or, we might say, the painter, as the arts resemble one another so closely applies the colour using a fine pine-marten-hair paintbrush. The colours are added one by one in a very precise order, from the lighter shades to the brighter ones. Each requires a specific firing, the temperature and duration of which remain the secret of the master enameller. While the design, which is drawn freehand, requires precision, dexterity and genuine painting talent, each firing demands experience and patience. 17
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Only very few craftsmen in the world have mastered the secrets of enamel painting in miniature, bearing in mind the fact that a pigment can always react to the firing in an unpredictable manner... And while the craftsman reproduces a motif, his sensitivity and the unique way in which he interprets it are what make it a genuinely rare piece. The meticulous nature of this technique explains why the production of a painted enamel dial requires almost fifty hours work. Furthermore, the capricious character of the colours, particularly during firing, requires the craftsman to carry out a constant technological watch in order to perfect his art. With infinite poetry and mysterious charm, the dial of the Océanide timepiece pays brilliant homage to enamel painting in miniature. Inspired by the Atlantide High Jewellery collection, this Poetic Complication displays a magical landscape. By turning imperceptibly over the 365 days of the year, the dial reveals incredible sea creatures from behind motherof-pearl waves. As the seasons pass, these Oceanides dance around the dial in the changing colours of a beautiful marine world. 19
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Contre-jour enamel This enamelling process dating from the 16th century, more commonly known as grisaille enamel, was developed for the first time in the world of watchmaking for Van Cleef & Arpels. The specific nature of this little-used technique is the use of a palette consisting only of black and white. First, the craftsman creates a dense, perfectly smooth black enamel base, which will be able to withstand the successive firings. Then, using a fine paintbrush, he gradually creates the motif by dragging a minute quantity of finely-ground white enamel powder. During the firings around ten will be necessary these successive layers will reveal the decoration in subtle gradations of grey, beginning with the darkest, and, finally, revealing the brightest. This monochrome effect has led grisaille enamel to be called contre-jour enamel. 21
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Contre-jour enamelling was particularly popular during the Renaissance, but today it appears in a dazzlingly modern style, such as on the dial of the Pont des Amoureux timepiece: nestling in a starry sky, a crescent moon lights up the silhouettes of a collection of houses and a garden surrounded by a gate. Above this shadow theatre, on the famous Pont des Arts, a man and a woman move towards each other, meeting at midnight for a minute-long kiss. They then part, before meeting again 11 hours, 59 minutes later for another kiss. This romantic walk in which each character moves forward at his own pace the woman to the rhythm of the hours, the man to the rhythm of the minutes conceals a retrograde mechanical movement: by working forwards then backwards, only this mechanism can allow these two lovers to meet, again and again. 23
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Vitrail enamel The highly complex vitrail enamelling technique is carried out in two stages. The first consists of tracing the contours of the motif using a tiny gold blade. During the second stage, the craftsman fills in the cavities he has created with enamel powder, before firing it at temperatures of 800 C. Once vitrified, they appear in translucent hues, allowing the light to shine through the layer of coloured glass: the motif has become a miniature stained-glass window that will then be placed on the gold disc of the dial. Only the craftsman s virtuosity and experience allow him to reproduce the motif precisely and in all its delicacy, to create a palette of original colours that corresponds exactly to the shades required by Van Cleef & Arpels, and finally, master the firing to perfection. 25
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The process is rendered even more difficult by the fact that it is carried out on the tiny surface of the dial... Infinite patience and successful mastery of the technique allow both a shimmering and velvety finished effect, in which the colours appear to be suspended on golden threads. The radiant delicacy of vitrail enamel was expressed for the first time in the Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly collection. In subtle gradations of brown, the butterfly s wings blend with the shimmering petals of the immense golden-brown flower from which it is gathering pollen. Captured as it takes flight, it appears to have paused for a second on the dial, allowing shadow to play with light on its quivering wings. 27
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Miniature painting on mother-of-pearl All the poetry of mother-of-pearl and the infinite number of light effects offered by this iridescent surface are highlighted by this technique. Painstaking and precise, miniature painting on enamel requires meticulous care and extreme rigour at every stage of the process. The craftsman transfers the principal lines of the original design freehand to an extremely slender mother-of-pearl disc, taking care to respect this initial positioning to the nearest millimetre. He then applies each colour individually with a paintbrush using a colour palette that he has created himself, thus closely guarding his production secrets. As soon as a colour has been added, the craftsman places the mother-of-pearl disc in an oven at 80 C for one hour. This stage allows the colour to be fixed it thus becomes unalterable and also allows the coloured surface to be polished, eliminating any marks left by the paintbrush. For each enamel coulour used, another firing is required, so patience is of the essence. 29
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While the craftsman s dexterity, sense of volume and ability to breathe emotion into Van Cleef & Arpels motifs are essential qualities, so is his knowledge of mother-of-pearl. It is by experimenting with the brilliance and reflections of this natural material that the design takes on all of its power, as though it had come to life, like the motif that blossoms on the dial of the Butterfly timepiece: a butterfly with translucent wings, the green monochrome of which goes perfectly with the bouquet of mauve pansies over which it flies. Here, miniature painting on mother-of-pearl provides a true lesson of nature, highlighted by the precision of a highly poetic motif. 31
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Marquetry work Magical, sensual, poetic and symbolic: stones have always formed the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels collections. If jeweller craftsmen magnify them with a thousand and one setting techniques, the marquetry craftsman arranges them in subtle compositions. In order to create a motif, the stones must first be painstakingly selected. This work requires all the expertise of Van Cleef & Arpels gemmologists. The aim is to bring together the nuances of colour and texture that will allow the motif to be recreated from an impressive palette: stones with strong or soft colours, matt or translucent, smooth or covered with reliefs, not to mention the immense variety of mother-of-pearl. Like in a miniature puzzle, each element has a specific position. With extraordinary precision, the craftsman cuts the material so that it perfectly fits the gold disc of the dial. The thickness- sometimes less than half a millimetre- and fragility of certain materials such as mother-of-pearl heightens the difficulty of the task. 33
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He then assembles these fine strips one by one in the infinitely reduced area of the dial, patiently recreating the illusion of relief and the depth of perspective. Certain decorations bring together thirty pieces in this manner, in order to reinterpret a landscape. A technique that has always been beloved of Van Cleef & Arpels as early as the 1920 s, Minaudière pouches were adorned with striking Japanese landscapes marquetry work is expressed with great panache in the Extraordinary Dials collection. The Lady Arpels Paysage Polaire timepiece, for example, recreates an ice floe in the pink light of dawn. The reflections of the mother-of-pearl and its infinite variety of nuances perfectly recreate the iridescent whiteness of the ice and the relief of this landscape upon which a bear and two bear cubs have come to stretch their limbs. With a simple movement of the wrist, the ice will sparkle while a bluish shadow will be cast over this eternal moment. 35
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The Collections 37
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Alhambra 39
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Alhambra The Alhambra collection belongs to the heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels and its good-luck motif has become a veritable signature of the jeweller. A fine example is this watchmaking collection in which the famous four-leaf clover continues to amaze, reinventing itself around onyx and mother-of-pearl and playing with its charm in two different sizes. Like the sets in the jewellery collection, the case combines precious materials, highlighting them with a row of yellow or white gold beads and occasionally diamonds. The bracelet presents a variety of styles: in its sober version, it adopts black satin; the jewellery version echoes the motif in mother-of-pearl or onyx, or, in the lighter version, is open-worked and bordered with a row of diamonds. 41
Alhambra Vintage Bracelet White gold case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm White mother-of-pearl Alhambra bracelet Jeweler clasp Swiss quartz movement Alhambra Vintage Bracelet Yellow gold case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm White mother-of-pearl Alhambra bracelet Jeweler clasp Swiss quartz movement 42
Alhambra Vintage Bracelet Yellow gold case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Onyx, white and grey mother-of-pearl Alhambra bracelet Jeweler clasp Swiss quartz movement Alhambra Vintage Bracelet Yellow gold case Onyx dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Onyx Alhambra bracelet Jeweler clasp Swiss quartz movement 43
Alhambra Vintage Bracelet White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 29 x 29 mm White gold bracelet with hollowed-out Alhambra set with diamonds Jeweler clasp 236 diamonds ~2.8 cts Swiss quartz movement Alhambra Vintage Bracelet Pink gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 29 x 29 mm Pink gold bracelet with hollowed-out Alhambra set with diamonds Jeweler clasp 236 diamonds ~2.8 cts Swiss quartz movement 44
Vintage Alhambra Alhambra M Yellow gold and diamond paved case Onyx dial Dimensions: 29 x 29 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle 44 diamonds ~ 0.7 ct Swiss quartz movement Vintage Alhambra Alhambra M White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 29 x 29 mm Satin strap White gold pin buckle 44 diamonds ~ 0.7 ct Swiss quartz movement Vintage Alhambra Alhambra M Yellow gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 29 x 29 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle 44 diamonds ~ 0.7 ct Swiss quartz movement 45
Vintage Alhambra Alhambra S Yellow gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle 44 diamonds ~ 0.6 ct Swiss quartz movement Vintage Alhambra Alhambra S White gold case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Satin strap White gold pin buckle Swiss quartz movement 46
Vintage Alhambra Alhambra S Yellow gold case Onyx dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle Swiss quartz movement Vintage Alhambra Alhambra S Yellow gold case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle Swiss quartz movement 47
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Cadenas 49
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Cadenas Thanks to Van Cleef & Arpels imagination, anything can become precious. A simple padlock therefore leads to the creation of a timepiece with an incredible clasp. Launched in 1936, the idea captivated the Duchess of Windsor. Who would have thought back then that this nod to a small everyday object was to become one of the most elegant of all watchmaking creations? The jeweller s ingenuity gave it an inclined dial, a totally unique clasp and various forms of bracelet. Today, the strength of its design and the fluidity of the snake chain that adorns certain versions have withstood the passing of time and fashions. Entirely or partially diamond-set, in yellow or white gold, Cadenas timepieces remain brilliant stylistic compositions. 51
Cadenas Medium White gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered dial Dimensions: L 24 x w 11 x h 10 mm Alligator strap 22 diamonds ~ 0.5 ct Swiss quartz movement Cadenas Small Yellow gold case set with one row of diamonds Silvered dial Dimensions: L 24 x w 11 x h 9 mm Alligator strap 10 diamonds ~ 0.2 ct Swiss quartz movement 52
Cadenas Vintage White gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered dial Dimensions: L 24 x w 11 x h 10 mm White gold snake chain 22 diamonds ~ 0.5 ct Swiss quartz movement Cadenas Vintage White gold and diamond paved case Baguette diamond paved dial Dimensions: L 24 x w 11 x h 10 mm White gold and princess-cut diamond paved bracelet 729 diamonds ~ 19,51 cts and 122 baguette-cut diamonds ~ 13.86 cts Swiss quartz movement 53
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Charms 55
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Charms Inspired by its highly imaginative jewellery, Van Cleef & Arpels has invented a brand new watchmaking creation. Classic yet surprising, this timepiece is adorned with an inseparable Alhambra good-luck charm set with brilliants that turns freely around the dial. Its shapes are perfectly balanced, based on curves and extremely fine details. The sunburst-effect guilloché dial highlights the purity of the baton-shaped hands and applied hour markers while adding a touch of glamour to this ultra-feminine creation. Available in white or pink gold, signed on the edge of the case, set with two rows of diamonds or entirely paved, the Charms timepiece comes in three different sizes and possesses an ingenious system of interchangeable bracelets to match the wearer s outfit and mood. 57
Charms Mini White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 25 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 237 diamonds ~ 0.9 ct Swiss quartz movement Charms Mini White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case set with two rows diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 25 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black White gold pin buckle 148 diamonds ~ 0.5 ct Swiss quartz movement 58
Charms Mini Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 25 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 237 diamonds ~ 0.9 ct Swiss quartz movement Charms Mini Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 25 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black Pink gold pin buckle 148 diamonds ~ 0.5 ct Swiss quartz movement 59
Charms M Charms S Charms M Charms S Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 38 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 311 diamonds ~ 3 cts Swiss quartz movement Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 32 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 262 diamonds ~ 1.8 cts Swiss quartz movement Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 38 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black Pink gold pin buckle 212 diamonds ~ 1.1 cts Swiss quartz movement Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 32 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black Pink gold pin buckle 168 diamonds ~ 0.6 ct Swiss quartz movement 60
Charms M Charms S Charms M Charms S White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 38 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 311 diamonds ~ 3 cts Swiss quartz movement White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 32 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 262 diamonds ~ 1.8 cts Swiss quartz movement White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 38 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black White gold pin buckle 212 diamonds ~ 1.1 cts Swiss quartz movement White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 32 mm Two interchangeable satin straps: white and black White gold pin buckle 168 diamonds ~ 0.6 ct Swiss quartz movement 61
Charms S White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 32 mm Two interchangeable bracelets: white gold and black satin White gold pin buckle 168 diamonds ~ 0.6 ct Swiss quartz movement Charms M Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case set with two rows of diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 38 mm Two interchangeable bracelets: pink gold and black satin Pink gold pin buckle 212 diamonds ~ 1.1 cts Swiss quartz movement 62
Charms S Pink gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms Pink gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 32 mm Two interchangeable bracelets: pink gold paved with diamonds and black satin Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 535 diamonds ~ 8.9 cts Swiss quartz movement Charms M White gold and diamond paved Alhambra Charms White gold case paved with diamonds Silvered guilloché dial Diameter: 38 mm Two interchangeable bracelets: white gold paved with diamonds and black satin White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 528 diamonds ~ 12.6 cts Swiss quartz movement 63
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Lady Arpels 65
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Lady Arpels With its round case and highly sober lines, Lady Arpels allows creation to reign supreme. Every nuance of mother-of-pearl plays its part in the Lady Arpels Papillon collection, from the iridescent whiteness of seashells from Bali to the shimmering reflections of those from Tahiti. Satin-brushed or polished, these magnificent light effects bring a butterfly to life. Its wings appear to flutter, ready to alight delicately on the arm of she who has chosen the timepiece. In a white or yellow gold case, this extremely simple motif is sometimes illuminated with a row of diamonds. Finally, this model is punctuated with more diamonds, one on the crown, others highlighting the bracelet clasp. 67
Lady Arpels Butterfly White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl and diamond paved dial Diameter: 36 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 111 diamonds ~ 2.3 cts (case, dial, buckle) Swiss quartz movement Lady Arpels Butterfly Yellow gold case White mother-of-pearl and diamond paved dial Diameter: 36 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle Swiss quartz movement 68
Lady Arpels Butterfly White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl and diamond paved dial Diameter: 28 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 98 diamonds ~ 1.4 cts (case, dial, buckle) Swiss quartz movement Lady Arpels Butterfly Yellow gold case White mother-of-pearl and diamond paved dial Diameter: 28 mm Satin strap Yellow gold pin buckle Swiss quartz movement 69
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Timeless 71
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Timeless By combining the softness of the oval with the elegance of a classic design, Van Cleef & Arpels created Timeless, a rounded timepiece, the harmony of which is the result of minute details: a bezel whose width varies according to the curve of the oval, and a lightly rounded case that comes in two different sizes. Timeless combines this sensuality with simplicity, with a white mother-of-pearl dial bearing only two hands and the jeweller s signature; or in the jewellery versions with a guilloché dial adorned with diamond-set Roman numerals and a crown graced with a briolette-cut diamond charms. Finally, for a collection of numbered pieces, Timeless oval dial is transformed by mother-of-pearl marquetry work and gold sculpture set with precious stones, a bird of paradise decoration or a theatre telling poetic tales. 73
Timeless White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 24 x 30 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 84 diamonds ~ 1.6 cts Swiss quartz movement Timeless Briolette diamond paved charms White gold and baguette-cut diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 24 x 30 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 75 diamonds ~ 3 cts Swiss quartz movement 74
Timeless Briolette diamond paved charms White gold and baguette-cut diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 24 x 30 mm White gold and baguette-cut diamond paved bracelet Folding buckle 185 diamonds ~ 15.5 cts Swiss quartz movement Timeless White gold and baguette-cut diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 24 x 30 mm White gold and diamond paved bracelet Folding buckle 343 diamonds ~ 8.9 cts Swiss quartz movement 75
Timeless XL Pink gold and diamond paved case White lacquer on guilloché dial Dimensions: 50 x 34 mm Alligator strap Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 131 diamonds ~ 3.7 cts Swiss quartz movement Timeless XL White gold and diamond paved case Blue lacquer on guilloché dial Dimensions: 50 x 34 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 131 diamonds ~ 3.7 cts Swiss quartz movement 76
Timeless XL White gold and diamond paved case White lacquer on guilloché dial Dimensions: 50 x 34 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 131 diamonds ~ 3.7 cts Swiss quartz movement 77
Timeless Rose des vents White gold and diamond paved case Hand-painted mother-of-pearl, diamonds and sapphires dial Dimensions: 50 x 34 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 226 diamonds ~ 8.2 cts 11 sapphires ~ 0.9 ct Swiss quartz movement 78
Timeless Birds of Paradise White gold, red gold and diamond paved case Mother-of-pearl marquetry, diamonds, spinel and sapphires dial Crown set with a cabochon spinel Dimensions: 50 x 34 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 297 diamonds ~ 7.1 cts 2 spinels ~ 0.3 ct 81 sapphires ~ 0.5 ct Swiss quartz movement 79
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Pierre Arpels 81
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Pierre Arpels In 1949, Pierre Arpels, the son of one of the founders of Van Cleef & Arpels, designed a round timepiece with elegant, pure lines. Its case integrates two central strap fastenings, a true signature of this timepiece. Although designed as a unique piece, it was so much admired that it has since become a classic. Today, Van Cleef & Arpels reinterprets this powerfully understated timepiece. Drawing inspiration from the innovative spirit of its creator, it has maintained its hand-wound mechanical movement while at the same time playing with modernity: its design has been refined, its ultra-thin case is bevelled in shape and its crown is adorned with a diamond. Finally, on its embossed dial recalling the maker s mark a tapestry inspired by the piqué motif of a formal shirt two fine, slender hands circle around hour-markers in relief. In white or pink gold with two different case sizes, the Pierre Arpels timepiece may be adorned with a row of diamonds to highlight its timeless beauty. 83
Pierre Arpels 38 mm Pink gold case White lacquer dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap Pink gold pin buckle Mechanical movement 830P Pierre Arpels 42 mm Pink gold case White lacquer dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap Pink gold pin buckle Mechanical movement 830P 84
Pierre Arpels 38 mm White gold case White lacquer dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold pin buckle Mechanical movement 830P Pierre Arpels 42 mm White gold case White lacquer dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap White gold pin buckle Mechanical movement 830P 85
Pierre Arpels 38 mm Pink gold and diamond paved case White lacquer dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 99 diamonds ~ 3 cts Mechanical movement 830P Pierre Arpels 42 mm Pink gold and diamond paved case White lacquer dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 111 diamonds ~ 3.5 cts Mechanical movement 830P 86
Pierre Arpels 38 mm White gold and diamond paved case White lacquer dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 99 diamonds ~ 3 cts Mechanical movement 830P Pierre Arpels 42 mm White gold and diamond paved case White lacquer dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 111 diamonds ~3.5 cts Mechanical movement 830P 87
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High Jewellery 89
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High Jewellery High jewellery and watchmaking: these two crafts, admirably brought together and mastered by Van Cleef & Arpels, are presented in precious collections based on the jeweller s favourite themes, such as nature and couture. Extreme care and attention are lavished on the selection, pairing and setting of the stones, as well as the development of assembly techniques for the links or ingenious closing systems. This exceptional work perfectly complements the virtuosity of the master watchmakers who create the movements, mechanisms and complications. They are housed in these sometimes unique, always exceptional pieces, crafted with boldness and creativity in the name of perfection. 91
Fox-Trot White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial White gold bracelet set with diamonds Jeweller clasp 107 diamonds ~ 14.1 cts Swiss quartz movement 92
Allegria White gold case Silvered dial White gold bracelet set with diamonds Jeweller clasp 80 diamonds ~ 9 cts Mechanical movement JLC 101 93
Fleurette Platinum and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Dimensions: 25 mm x 27 mm Platinum bracelet set with diamonds Platinum and diamond jeweller clasp 209 diamonds ~ 22.9 cts Swiss quartz movement Rosalba White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl marquetry dial White gold bracelet set with round, pear-shaped and baguette-cut diamonds White gold and diamond jeweller clasp 160 diamonds ~ 15.6 cts Mechanical movement JLC 846 94
Dentelle XL White gold and diamond paved case Diamond paved dial White gold bracelet set with diamonds White gold and diamond jeweler clasp 920 diamonds ~ 8 cts Swiss quartz movement 95
Farandole XL White gold and diamond paved case Diamond paved dial White gold bracelet set with diamonds White gold and diamond jeweler clasp 316 diamonds ~ 41.6 cts Swiss quartz movement 96
Folie des prés White gold case paved with diamonds, sapphires White mother-of-pearl dial Diameter: 23 mm White gold bracelet set with diamonds, sapphires White gold and diamond jeweller clasp 149 diamonds ~ 5.5 cts and 88 sapphires ~ 17 cts Swiss quartz movement Folie des prés White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl dial Diameter: 23 mm White gold bracelet set with diamonds White gold and diamond jeweller clasp 236 diamonds ~ 17 cts Swiss quartz movement 97
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Extraordinary Dials 99
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Extraordinary Dials With their turquoise enamel skies, mother-of-pearl waves, diamondset animals with furry coats or ruby flowers, the Extraordinary Dials decorations resemble a collection of paintings by master miniaturists. Here, the most precious materials enhance noble mechanical movements, giving Van Cleef & Arpels version of time a special poetic dimension. On these limited-edition timepieces, each of which tells its own story, all the creative stages of watchmaking give rise to an extraordinary metamorphosis. The virtuoso time of the master watchmakers is embellished by that of the master jewellers, enamellers, gold sculptors, and precious marquetry craftsmen. And it is the coming together of these unique crafts that results in the creation of rare timepieces, veritable watchmaking poetry, on which the hours and minutes become the symbols of a time that is charged with emotions and intimate memories. 101
Polar Landscape penguin decor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds, yellow sapphires, mandarin garnets and mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Polar Landscape seal decor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds and mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 102
Polar Landscape bear decor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds and mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Polar Landscape whale decor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, glass sculpting, gold sculpting, diamonds and mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 103
African Landscape antelope décor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds, white and yellow mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P African Landscape giraffe décor White gold and diamond paved case Cabochonné enamel, engraving under enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds, turquoise and yellow mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 104
African Landscape hippopotamus decor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, engraving under enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds, yellow jasper and white mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P African Landscape elephant decor White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel, engraving under enamel, gold sculpting, diamonds, yellow jasper and white mother-of-pearl marquetry dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 105
Hummingbirds Ariane White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel and diamond dial with a gold-engraved hummingbird covered with translucent enamel Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Hummingbirds Anais White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel and diamond dial with a gold-engraved hummingbird covered with translucent enamel Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Hummingbirds Elvire White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel and diamond dial with a gold-engraved hummingbird covered with translucent enamel Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 106
Hummingbirds Thalassin White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel and diamond dial with a gold-engraved hummingbird covered with translucent enamel Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Hummingbirds Madere White gold and diamond paved case Champlevé enamel and diamond dial with a gold-engraved hummingbird covered with translucent enamel Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 107
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The Extraordinary Presentation Case This case in curved blue sycamore wood contains constellations: the precious dials of the four timepieces of the De la Terre à la Lune collection, a limited series comprising numbered pieces inspired by Jules Verne s Voyages Extraordinaires (extraordinary journeys). Like an invitation to discovery, four small magnifying portholes allow the decorations dedicated to the Cassiopeia, Cygnus, Pegasus and Peacock constellations to be observed. When opened, the case reveals a starry sky in mother-of-pearl and wooden marquetry work, presenting the four Extraordinary Dials timepieces. Their motifs celebrate the art of diamond setting, but also those of stone marquetry work, gold sculpture and enamelling like this majestic swan flying over the milky way which, with a beat of its translucent wings, lights up the heavens with its purity and grace. 109
Cygnus White gold and diamond paved case Vallonné enamel, gold sculpting, lapis lazuli and diamond dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Cassiopeia White gold and diamond paved case Vallonné enamel, gold sculpting, feu rouge opale and diamond dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 110
Pavot White gold and diamond paved case Vallonné enamel, gold sculpting, dark jade and diamond dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P Pegasus White gold and diamond paved case Vallonné enamel, gold sculpting, red jasper and diamond dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~ 2.7 cts (case, crown, buckle) Mechanical movement 830P 111
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Poetic Complications 113
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Poetic Complications Because beauty and wonder have always made Van Cleef & Arpels heart beat faster, in 2006 the jeweller created the first Poetic Complication. By bringing together Van Cleef & Arpels stylistic inventiveness, the expertise of its master jewellers and the technical virtuosity of artistic craftsmen, the jeweller brings a new dimension to High Watchmaking: characters are animated, decorations are metamorphosed, changing to the beat of the hours, days or seasons, transforming a dial into a magical scene. Each timepiece thus becomes a poetic theatre presenting a new interpretation of the passing of time, an unexpected, moving, enchanted tale: the imperceptible turning of the seasons over the 365 days of the year, the journey of the hours throughout the day, the appearance of the heavens over the months... Designed especially for the purpose, superior mechanisms allow this poetic perception of time to be proposed, appearing to beat to the rhythm of the heart, the breath of emotion, and the memory of happy moments. Never before has watchmaking expertise served beauty so well, and never before has poetry appeared to be so close to dreams. 115
Lady Arpels Fairy White gold and diamond paved case Enamel guilloché dial with white gold engraved fairy set with diamonds Diameter: 38 mm Satin strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~2.6 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement with retrograde hours minutes (movement JLC 846 and Agenhor module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication Pont des Amoureux White gold and diamond paved case Contre-jour enamel dial, gold engraved figurines Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved buckle 105 diamonds ~2.6 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement with retrograde hours minutes (movement JLC 846 and Agenhor module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication Butterfly Symphony White gold and diamond paved case Mother-of-pearl and onyx marquetry, gold sculpting dial Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~2.6 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement with retrograde hours minutes (movement JLC 846 and Agenhor module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication 116
From the Earth to the Moon White gold and diamond paved case Miniature painting, champlevé enamel and marquetry of black jade and agate dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved folding buckle 130 diamonds ~5 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement with retrograde hours minutes (movement JLC 846 and Agenhor module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication Five Weeks in a balloon White gold case Champlevé and paillonné enamel dial with mother-of-pearl marquetry Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap White gold folding buckle Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement with retrograde hours minutes (movement JLC 846 and Agenhor module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication 117
A day in Paris Pink gold and diamond paved case Onyx and dial, pink gold figurines turning in 24 hours and white mother-of-pearl Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap Pink gold and diamond paved pin buckle 103 diamonds ~2.7 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 60 hours Automatic movement (movement 800P and module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic complication A day in Paris White gold and diamond paved case Onyx dial, white gold figurines turning in 24 hours and white mother-of-pearl Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 103 diamonds ~2.7 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 60 hours Automatic movement (movement 800P and module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic complication 118
Day/ Night White gold and diamond paved case Rotative dial (24 hours) in aventurine glass, white gold, yellow sapphires and diamonds Diameter: 38 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 105 diamonds ~3.2 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 60 hours Automatic movement (movement 800P and module developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic complication 119
Lady Arpels Océanide White gold and diamond paved case Rotative (365 days) hand-painted enamel dial and white mother-of-pearl Diameter: 36 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved pin buckle 182 diamonds ~2.6 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement (Quantième de Saison movement developed exclusively by Agenhor for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication Midnight in Paris White gold and baguette diamond paved case with officer back Rotative (365 days) aventurine glass dial indicating the position of the stars in Paris sky Diameter: 41 mm Sapphire back with calendar and meteorite Alligator strap White gold pin buckle 96 diamonds ~ 5 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement (Quantième de Saison movement developed exclusively by Agenhor for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication 120
Midnight in Paris White gold case with officer back Rotative (365 days) aventurine glass dial indicating the position of the stars in Paris sky Diameter: 41 mm Sapphire back with calendar and meteorite Alligator strap White gold pin buckle Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement (Quantième de Saison movement developed exclusively by Agenhor for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication Midnight in Paris Pink gold case with officer back Rotative (365 days) aventurine glass dial indicating the position of the stars in Paris sky Diameter: 41 mm Sapphire back with calendar and meteorite Alligator strap Pink gold pin buckle Power reserve: 30 hours Mechanical movement (Quantième de Saison movement developed exclusively by Agenhor for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication 121
Midnight Tourbillon Nacre White gold and diamond paved case White mother-of-pearl engraving dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap White gold folding buckle 118 diamants ~ 3.9 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 40 hours Mechanical movement (Tourbillon movement created on a Piaget basis developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication Midnight Tourbillon Aventurine White gold and diamond paved case Aventurine glass and diamond dial Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap White gold and diamond paved folding buckle 170 diamonds ~ 3.9 cts (case, crown and buckle) Power reserve: 40 hours Mechanical movement (Tourbillon movement created on a Piaget basis developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) Poetic Complication 122
Midnight Tourbillon Exclusive White gold and baguette diamond paved case Baguette diamond dial with sunburst effect Diameter: 42 mm Alligator strap Diamond paved folding buckle 455 diamonds ~ 30.5 cts (case, dial, crown and buckle) Limited edition Power reserve: 40 hours Mechanical movement (Tourbillon movement created on a Piaget basis developed exclusively for Van Cleef & Arpels) 8 pieces limited edition Poetic Complication 123
www.vancleef-arpels.com - Ph otos: O. Foulon - Printed in Italy - Our timepieces are not always represented in their real size - Poetic Complications and Extraordinary Dials are Van Cleef & Arpels trademarks - Van Cleef & Arpels - 2011
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