Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

Extraordinary Dials

Using the techniques of enamelling, mother-of-pearl inlay or gold engraving, each dial tells a story, an original tale expressing true feelings of affection, admiration or love.

• Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly

A symbol of renewal, the butterfly has inspired Van Cleef & Arpels creations for over a century. It has just settled on five Extraordinary Dials, each one created in a limited edition of 8 pieces.
The Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly collection innovates by using the stained-glass enamelling technique for the first time. This technique enables the creation of genuine miniature stained-glass windows that capture the butterfly in full flight on a three-dimensional dial. The case, with its pure lines and identifiable style, was designed by Pierre Arpels in 1949, thus creating the famous PA 49 timepiece. The simplicity of its central attachments majestically enhances the richness of the dial. The timepieces’ names Parvana, Vanessa, Euthalie, Kimama and Caligo are inspired by butterflies found in various cultures.

• Lady Arpels Extraordinary Hummingbirds

Genuine acrobats of the skies, hummingbirds searching for nectar gather pollen with their long curved beaks from flowers uniquely destined to provide it. Van Cleef & Arpels pays homage to these nomadic birds with an array of five timepieces: Berylline, Ruby-Throated, Violet-Crowned, Blue-Throated and Calliope.
So as to perfectly render the movement of the bird and the flower that matches it, each Extraordinary Dial combines three different techniques: the setting of precious stones, champlevé enamelling and threedimensional enamelling. Limited edition of 8 pieces.

• Midnight Extraordinary Landscapes

From awesome canyons to majestic waterfalls, from secret coves to proud mountain peaks, five timepieces offer a stunning interpretation of Californian landmarks where the strength and fragility of a protected Nature presents itself to the visitor’s admiring gaze. The Extraordinary Dials of Big Springs, Appache Terraces, Turquoise Canyon, Granite Peak and White Creek capture the majesty of the landscapes in
the light of the West. Extraordinary Dial in stone inlay, mother-of-pearl and enamel. Limited edition of 8 pieces.

• Midnight Extraordinary Japanese Lacquer

The most beautiful Japanese scenery also inspires a limited edition of timepieces for men. In the expert hands of Hakose San, acting as master dial maker for Van Cleef & Arpels, several exceptional timepieces bring together the discretion and purity of the Midnight case with the exquisite and delicate precision of lacquer work. Five traditional landscapes (among which are Sakura and Ryusui), classic sources of inspiration for the masters of lacquer craftsmanship, are presented in a limited edition number of 8 pieces.

Poetic Complications : a new dimension of time

Born of the imagination of Van Cleef & Arpels, Poetic Complications unveil a new way to perceive Fine Watchmaking: the discreet precision of the complication movements is combined with the creative virtuosity of the Maison’s workshops. Van Cleef & Arpels thus bestows an intimate dimension on to these precious timepieces, that of Time that moves to the pace of happiness and emotions.

• Midnight Tourbillon Nacre

The white mother-of-pearl dial with its hand-made volume on the surface gives the Midnight Tourbillon Nacre timepiece distinguished discretion and seductive style, making it the must-have accessory for the elegant man of the 21st century. The dial, in white mother-of-pearl, is hand engraved and recreates that unique and magical light of dawn, when the sun’s rays softly light up the trees in the early morning. In the
watchmaker’s expert hands, the mechanical tourbillon movement takes the shape of the column of Place Vendôme in a limited edition of 100 pieces. Dial in sculpted white mother-of-pearl.

• Butterfly Symphony

What if butterflies, with the flutter of their wings, could tell us the time? The dream is transformed into reality by the Maison with the Butterfly Symphony timepieces. Two precious butterflies in mid-flight indicate the time with ethereal tenderness, flitting alternatively above and underneath the foliage of a majestic oak tree.
Thanks to a retrograde movement, one butterfly indicates the passing minutes while the other keeps pace of the hours.
Dial in mother-of-pearl, onyx and sculpted gold. Mechanical movement, Retrograde Hours and Minutes

• Le Pont des Amoureux

The story begins under an autumn sky in the most beautiful city in the world. Surrounded by centuries of history, two lovers set off to meet each other.
On a dial of contre-jour enamelling, Le Pont des Amoureux timepiece sets the scene for two lovers who mark the time as their romantic stroll brings them closer and closer, until they finally meet. Moving to a retrograde movement, each character advances towards the other until midnight: they come together at last, celebrating their eternal love.
Dial using back-lit enamel technique, white gold bridge. Mechanical movement, Retrograde Minutes and Hours.

• Journée à Paris

The Journée à Paris timepiece is a romantic escapade through the city of lights’ most emblematic scenery. Its moving dial causes our imagination to wander from the Tuileries gardens to the île de la Cité, on avenue Montaigne and then to finish at the Opera and Place Vendôme.The set onyx disk serves as the background and represents a 24 hour cycle on which are superimposed seven feminine silhouettes and a child who stroll in a carefree and stylish manner, following a seamless rhythm of time that leads us to discover a dreamlike Paris. Appearing magically from the mother of pearl dial, they emerge in turn and then disappear... only to return 24 hours later.This latest creation perfectly illustrates the philosophy of the Poetic Complication, imagined by Van Cleef & Arpels : to successfully combine the emotion of spectacular High Jewellery with the meticulous precision of the movement complication expertise.

Go to the Journée à Paris website

• Lady Arpels Saisons Jardins, Jardin d’Extrême-Orient

The dial reflects the serenity of a zen garden with its pagodas and gently structured vegetation. All the symbols of oriental landscapes appear in turn.

• Midnight Jardin d’Extrême – Orient

For the self-winding version, the dial alternates onyx and mother of pearl inlay to depict a pagoda, lotus flowers and an ancient tree. On the back of the case, the pagoda is engraved and signed with the Van Cleef & Arpels seal of High Jewellery.
Platinum case set with baguette or round diamonds or platinum only
Dial in onyx and mother of pearl inlay _ Engraved motif on the back
Alligator strap

• Midnight nacre

• Midnight onyx

• Midnight Tourbillon jardin italien de la Renaissance

Inspired by Greek and Roman Antiquity, this illustration of the opulence of Mediterranean vegetation adorns the dial of the Tourbillon Midnight Jardin italien de la Renaissance timepiece.
The platinum case and Grand Feu enamel dial set with diamonds and sapphires are a dazzling ode to the exuberant Renaissance period gardens.
Platinum case set with baguette or round diamonds or platinum only
Dial in Grand Feu enamel (genuine enamel heat at 800°) set with diamonds and yellow sapphires _ Tourbillon movement
Alligator strap

• Vicomte: a dazzling play of water and blue skies

The Vicomte Necklace watch is an ode to the splendid fountains of the Vaux-le-Vicomte château.
The watch case is set with baguette diamonds, adorned by an incredible cascade of sapphire balls. A fountain made up of round, pear-cut and baguette diamonds surrounds a magnificent pear-cut sapphire. In perfect symmetry, pear-cut diamonds stem out from it like the fountain’s sprays.
On the base of the mother of pearl dial is a mother of pearl inlay depicting another bubbling fountain.
The ultimate glory of this splendid watch is that it transforms into a necklace thanks to a detachable clip.

• Alhambra vintage

  The Alhambra Vintage Spirit

Here is a jewellery watch with two sizes to choose from, S and M, displaying the Alhambra Vintage spirit on its emblematic case.
For Van Cleef & Arpels, a form is above all a signature. That of the stylised cloverleaf embroidered with gold beads, devised by the firm in 1974, has become an iconic piece of jewellery. In its watch incarnation, nothing has changed; just two dauphine hands and a Swiss movement make it a watch to attend to your every moment, sophisticated or light depending on the time of day or night, but always assuredly feminine.

• The Classique Arpels: A Timeless Watch

Van Cleef & Arpels designed three watchcases in an absolutely classic tradition, by adopting the central attachment, invented by Pierre Arpels in 1949, that is so much part of the House's approach to timepiece design.
A creative collection of ultra-feminine timepieces whose clean and simple lines enhance the extraordinary beauty of the watch-dials, crafted with a jeweller's devotion. What sets the Lady Arpels collection apart is the contrast between a timeless case and an infinitely rich dial. All the skill and expertise of Van Cleef & Arpels is highlighted in these exceptional pieces.
Immediately recognisable, the Lady Arpels line is destined to become a Van Cleef & Arpels classic. The purity of the case, the central attachment, mother-of pearl or lacquer dials, Roman numerals... all these Van Cleef & Arpels watchmaking codes are found on this watch with its strong and contemporary identity.

• Décolleté

Haute couture and high jewellery unite in a world of exceptional craftsmanship characterized by unique artistry and demanding standards. Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates this union with its Couture Collection: where fabric becomes jewellery and jewellery becomes fabric created to drape a woman in full splendour. The Décolleté line pays homage to the elegant simplicity of a white gold and diamond ribbon, tied in a seemingly effortless knot. The Décolleté watch completes the line.Décolleté necklace, Couture.

As for all of Van Cleef & Arpels' creations, the technical complexity of the piece is hidden by the apparent simplicity and beauty of the finished object. Here, the ribbon that winds around the dial seems to be in movement. Thus we have a truly “High Jewellery” watch: only the most exceptional quality of diamonds has been selected by the House (DEF VVS) to give it its dazzling brilliance. The setting of the diamonds by a master setter highlights the stones and ensures that the watch is beautiful from every angle. Last but not least, only a master jeweller could develop the invisible clasp which gives such an impression of lightness and fluidity.

This watch gives the admirer an irresistible urge to undo the delicate knot with a simple pull on the sparkling ribbon.

• The Dentelle
  Jewel of a Timepiece

The Dentelle timepiece is part of the Haute Joaillerie collection, itself inspired by the theme of Haute Couture, which is one of Van Cleef & Arpels favoured themes. A sculptured creation of diamonds to adorn a timepiece, Dentelle is the purest expression of the Van Cleef & Arpels' commitment as a Jeweller to making timepieces of ultimate aesthetic appeal.
The delicate artistry of this timepiece is expressed in the fine harmony of its design, which also make it extraordinarily fine and comfortable to wear.
Crafted with a jeweller's love of precious materials, this Van Cleef & Arpels design is so fine it almost makes one forget that diamonds and gold are the materials, so light and soft to the touch is this lace-like timepiece.

• The Fleurette

The Fleurette motif is recurrent in the Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery lines. The floral theme, ever a source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels, finds its ideal representation in this composition of seven of the finest quality diamonds that, thanks to an ingenious setting, suggest a single exceptional stone. Whether worn alone or combined with pieces in the Snowflake collection, Fleurette's exceptional brilliance symbolises both purity and glamour 

As the legendary Fleurette collection needed only a watch version to be complete, Van Cleef & Arpels' master jewellers have created a line of Fleurette watches, all featuring the finest diamonds (DEF VVS), settings and designs. 

High jewellery Fleurette More than a watch, this is a true bracelet, born of inspired jewellery creation and the most rigorous watch-making techniques.
In an innovative design, two Fleurette motifs join the case to a bracelet with pure and fluid lines. This bracelet is exceptionally supple and comfortable thanks to an exclusive Van Cleef & Arpels technique.
This watch brings new meaning to the term “dress-watch”.

Fleurette carrée and rectangle For these watches, Van Cleef & Arpels has combined the simplicity and elegance of square and rectangular cases with the glamour and refinement of white natural mother-of-pearl dials. Each watch features a Fleurette motif set at the top and bottom of the case and a black satin strap sets off the brilliance of the diamonds.

• Fox Trot

• Lady Arpels Papillon

On the dial of the Lady Arpels Papillon watch appears one of the House's icons: the butterfly. Part of the Van Cleef & Arpels world since the beginning, the butterfly is a symbol a happy and carefree Nature, as well as the lightness and delicate movement the House has always cherished.
The dial of the Lady Arpels Papillon watch involves an extremely complex inlay technique mastered only by expert craftsmen. Two types of natural mother-of-pearl are used: brushed mother-of-pearl (from shells) for the background and polished mother-of-pearl (from pearls) for the butterfly's wings.

The design is a faithful rendition of the House's famous butterfly pendant, with the butterfly's wings in delicate mother-of-pearl and its body set with the finest diamonds. 

The freshness and delicacy of these new watch dials will appeal to women who love glamour and femininity and want to show their attachment to one of the House's renowned “good-luck charms”.

• Tourbillon Cadran Unique Cashmere

The unique Cashmere motif: the making of this exclusive dial pushes back even further the boundaries of enamelling techniques used on watch dials. The dial is worked on at several depths: the Tourbillon Van Cleef & Arpels watch is the first to bear three-dimensional enamelling on its dial.
The accomplishment of the craftsman's dream to enamel in several dimensions basically depends on the preparation of the gold backing. The first stage involves preparing the round gold plate to be enamelled. Then, the plate's surface engraving will make it possible, through the final relief effect, to highlight the translucent and deep colours of the enamel.
Then, after having engraved the plate, the engraver will cut out and sculpt a grid. It is worked to reflect the paisley motif on several levels. Each motif corresponds to a pre- determined depth. Thus, the leaf motif will be placed under a volute motif and the flower motif will be worked at yet another depth again. Each space in the grid will be filled with different coloured enamel. This grid is then superimposed over the pre-enamelled round plate. After a multitude of finishing operations (gold polishing, motif adjustments, cleaning, etc.), the dial is ready to receive its airborne patterns, enamelled on all surfaces.

• Tourbillon Cadran Unique Paon

The Peacock motif: An exceptional dial for an exceptional movement. Highlighting its pre-eminent skills, Van Cleef & Arpels has developed a dial that reveals the full breadth of the art of enamelling combined with the goldsmith's art. 

To impart all its beauty to the peacock motif, as it was created on the Minaudière (circa 1950), the dial is made using the so-called champlevé technique. The craftsman begins by engraving the outline of the peacock motif on the gold plate. Each space, called a “champ”, is then hollowed out leaving just the contours. Each space will then be filled in with enamel to reveal the glorious design and colours of the peacock. 

The Tourbillon Vendôme is then decked with the most beautiful peacock feathers: in relief, in deep translucent colours and highlighted with gold.

• Tourbillon Cadran Unique Paysage de nacre

Mother-of-pearl landscape motif
Mother-of-pearl work is an art that has been central to Van Cleef & Arpels since its beginnings. The initial approach to designing a mother-of-pearl inlay dial for the Tourbillon Vendôme reflects the commitment to honouring the Maison's skills while constantly renewing them in each of its creations. The 1925 Paysage de nacre or “Landscape” Minaudière is the source of inspiration for this Asian landscape dial. This particular piece, made by Wladimir Makowsky, a Russian artist living in Paris and a master of mother of pearl inlay work, presents a scene reminiscent of Japanese prints: a temple at the edge of the sea, shaded by a tree under a cloudy sky in fine blue-tinted mother-of-pearl inlay. 

The dial-maker's craft lies in his adaptation of mother-of pearl work to watchmaking in order to bring to life this landscape in the very limited surface area provided by a watch dial. Once each palette of mother-of-pearl has been gathered, the artist will assemble the various pieces of mother-of-pearl on the gold plate. 

The plate will have been already sculpted and its surface covered with spaces at various depths. Each piece of mother-of-pearl is placed in its allocated space in accordance with its texture, hue and veins.