Imagine stepping into a realm where time is decorated with elegance, where the artistry of high jewellery intertwines seamlessly with horological expertise. In the heart of Geneva, Switzerland, Van Cleef & Arpels is currently presenting its exquisite exhibition, “Time by Van Cleef & Arpels“: a captivating showcase that highlights the Maison’s magnificent timekeeping creations and treasured archives from its Patrimonial collection. This enchanting display, ongoing until June 27th 2025, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a poetic universe where each timepiece is not merely an instrument to measure moments, but also a wearable work of art.
The very air of the exhibition is filled with the spirit of couture, a profound source of inspiration that pays homage to Paris, the cherished home of Van Cleef & Arpels. Imagine the ateliers of Parisian fashion houses, the nimble fingers of seamstresses transforming swathes of fabric into breathtaking silhouettes. This same dedication to detail, the same flair for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, breathes life into the Maison’s timepieces. Emblematic models from the 1930s, such as the iconic Ludo™ and the intriguing shutter watches, stand as testaments to this early dialogue between haute couture and horology.
Individual pieces within the exhibition further illuminate this captivating dialogue. The Minaudière™ from 1934, crafted entirely in polished and engraved yellow gold, is instantly recognisable by its ingenious set of compartments. Imagine it nestled in the palm of a hand, like a treasure chest of beauty secrets. The lid, radiantly decorated, draws the eye to a central motif, a glowing ruby held securely within the embrace of the Serti Mystérieux™ setting.
Then there is the bracelet watch created around 1950, a direct descendant of the couture-inspired Zip necklace from the mid-20th century. Fashioned from mirror-polished yellow gold, platinum, and diamonds, it shimmers with a liquid grace, demonstrating the fluidity of both precious metals and fine fabrics.
The Bark pocket watch from 1972 offers a different facet of ingenuity. It presents as a gorgeous, brushed yellow gold long necklace suspending a pendant watch, with a detachable case.
Crafted in 1934 and affectionately named “Ludo” after Louis Arpels, this bracelet embodies the harmonious blend of high fashion and exquisite jewellery. The Ludo’s bracelet features a finely woven mesh of hexagonal and “briquette” patterns, designed to mimic the flowing drape of a soft ribbon. Often, precious gemstones are set into the metal, as seen in the 1937 Ludo Tourniquet wristwatch showcased earlier.
Continuing the Maison’s legacy of secret timepieces, this particular 1946 Ludo design cleverly hides its watch face, only revealing it when its flaps are opened. This very Ludo watch from 1946 served as the inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels’ modern Ludo collection.
The Cadenas watch is a significant design in Van Cleef & Arpels’ history. Its debut in 1935 showcased the Maison’s embrace of the Modernist style through its geometric form. Initially made in yellow gold, the Cadenas evolved to feature a variety of colours and materials, including sapphires, rubies, and even wood. This last material, considered a lucky charm, gained considerable popularity over the years, enhancing various precious items. The 1970s saw a surge in the use of wood, leading to reinterpretations of some of the Maison’s most iconic pieces. The bracelet of the 1972 Cadenas watch exemplifies the design trends of that era.
“Time by Van Cleef & Arpels” is more than just an exhibition; it is an invitation to lose oneself in a world where time is not a relentless march, but a graceful unfolding, adorned with the poetry and artistry that define Van Cleef & Arpels. It is a chance to witness firsthand the enduring magic that occurs when the worlds of high jewellery and watchmaking embrace, creating treasures that transcend mere functionality and become heirlooms of beauty and imagination.
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