Credits: Article and images by Bhanu Chopra @ Revolution Watch Magazine. See the original article here - https://revolutionwatch.com/naturally-eternal-the-watchmaking-of-van-cleef-arpels/
Movement: Self-winding caliber Valfleurier Q020, with retrograde and time-on-demand module; 36-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes indicated via butterfly dancer display
Case: 40mm; 18K rose gold set with diamonds
Dial: Rose gold, diamonds, with champlevé and plique-à-jour enamel
Strap: Brilliant purple alligator
Price: Available upon request
In each retrograde timepiece, a second set of translucent enameled veils rise on-demand to indicate the time and create the illusion of a set of delicate butterfly wings against the radiating guilloché backgrounds. The tutu action can be triggered with a press of the button positioned at eight o’clock that raises half of the petticoat in a fluid motion to indicate the hour for a few seconds, then the second half will rise to indicate the minutes for a few seconds and thus reveal the butterfly fairy wings as well as the time. Both will then return to their starting position, returning the dancer to her human form.
Van Cleef & Arpels have always been partial to scenes of fauna, and this time they feature two tableaus lifted from the deep savannah with stories depicted from a beautiful and unexpected palette of precious stone and gems. These two new models are featured in the Extraordinary Dials collection. The pieces are designed as miniature works of art featuring a pair of animals, one of lions and another of rabbits. Each pair shares a long gaze of companionship and connection against a background of jewel and enamel detail.
The Lady Duo de Lions features a pair of lions, a standing male in white gold with full mane gazing at his yellow gold lady as she reclines on a plain of diamonds and pink sapphires. A river of turquoise and a plateau of onyx marquetry create a far distant background beneath a sun of mirror- polished and guillochéd rose gold. Mother-of-pearl clouds float gently above the scene.
Credits: Article and images by Bhanu Chopra @ Revolution Watch Magazine. See the original article here - https://revolutionwatch.com/naturally-eternal-the-watchmaking-of-van-cleef-arpels/