Lady Arpels Papillon Automate

An automaton module brings this Van Cleef & Arpels watch to life with a butterfly that flutters its wings seemingly at random and up to four times in a row, according to the amount of power in the mainspring. Not just the number but the frequency is a surprise, as the butterfly moves its wings every two to four minutes when the watch is resting, and more often when it is worn. This dial animation also comes to life on demand, at the press of a button. Various decorative crafts have contributed to this delightful scene: sculpted mother-of-pearl for the flower, plique-à-jour enamel for the butterfly's gold wings, champlevé enamel and miniature painting for the foliage, paillonnée enamel for the moon, and gem-setting for the water and corollas. The back of the case and the oscillating weight are decorated with a bas-relief.