Cover
The Primerose Secrète watch (Photo by Erik Madigan Heck)
Innovation is at the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels' creative process. In the 125 years since it was founded, the French luxury jewellery brand has introduced numerous revolutionary jewellery creations, including the iconic Zip necklace. It has also patented its emblematic Mystery setting, where rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds are set with no prong or other visible metal components—a true feat in the world of jewellery-making.
See also: Why Van Cleef & Arpels' Zip Necklace is Known as One of its Most Innovative Creations
Part of their illustrious heritage is watchmaking, infused with their high jewellery expertise to create timeless pieces that embody the spirit of innovation at Van Cleef & Arpels.
Drawing featuring a Couscous secret watch, circa 1949. Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
Buttercup watch, circa 1945. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Drawing featuring a Cadenas watch, circa 1938. Van Cleef & Arpels Archives
Cadenas watch, 1937. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
Hawai ring watch, 1944. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection
For example, the jewellery brand crafted discrete and inventive timepieces hidden in plain sight for women in the early 20th century, when it was considered inelegant for women to wear a watch or even look at the time in public.
No longer a challenge for women, Van Cleef & Arpels continue this tradition of secret watches to instead create a sense of playful surprise and wonder while challenging themselves to reach the full potential of craftsmanship.
See also: Van Cleef & Arpels Introduces the Latest Addition to its Perlée Collection
Above
Frivole Secrète watch
Above
Frivole Secrète watch
Van Cleef & Arpels unveils the Frivole Secrète watch, a stunning addition to their repertoire of floral secret watches, which has already captured the beauty and elegance of primroses, daisies and cosmos flowers. In this new three-dimensional composition, a diamond-encrusted dial is revealed from beneath a bouquet of polished petals, which pivots delicately to transform into a glistening bracelet adorning the wrist.
Like its predecessors, the Frivole Secrète is crafted with meticulous care to every detail and showcases the French maison's refined savoir-faire and expertise in creating versatile pieces for the modern woman.
See also: How Van Cleef & Arpels Became A Master in Creating The Finest Jewellery in the World
NOW READ
Explore Van Cleef & Arpels' Vintage Jewellery In Their "Enchanting Garden" Exhibition
Discover The Inspiration Behind Van Cleef & Arpels' Lady Arpels Ballerines Musicales Collection
© 2022 Tatler Asia Limited. All rights reserved.