This year, Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates 100 years of glamour and excellence. With its unique combination of femininity and grace, the company whose name is entwined with the world of exceptional gems, continues to create sumptuous pieces of fine jewellery and watches, many with hidden secrets.
To mark its centenary, Van Cleef & Arpels has created an exceptional watch that required expertise in many different fields. Called the Lady Arpels Centenary, it represents the summit of glamour and watchmaking excellence. It has a round 36mm case in white gold, with central strap attachments designed by Pierre Arpels in 1949. The case and attachments are entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds of the highest quality.
The magic and mystery of this watch lie in the top part of the dial which represents the four seasons. The dial comprises two sections; the lower part is natural white mother-of-pearl - a material often used by the company - representing clouds. The top of the dial is an enamelled disc that has been hand-painted by one of the last hand-enamellers in Geneva.
More than 50 hours are required for the painstaking work of painting on it an extraordinary garden scene with an evolving representation of autumn, spring, summer and winter. It is an ode to nature, one of the most predominant themes in the creative world of the firm. The scene also features the company's most celebrated themes, flowers and leaves, butterflies and dragonflies, and snow crystals.
The mechanical movement contains an exclusive complication developed for the company which rotates the seasons disc, almost imperceptibly, once a year.
The calendar is adjusted by a crown concealed on the back of the watch.
Van Cleef & Arpels has also introduced a new collection called Lady Arpels Dentelle. Inspired by the world of haute couture, these watches have dials with diamond lace, or 'dentelle' decoration, offset by a black lacquer background.