In the realm of haute horlogerie and high jewelry, few events capture the intricacies of the craft as vividly as Dubai Watch Week and it is here that Parisian Maison Van Cleef & Arpels (Instagram) has created an experience to transport the Middle East’s most discerning watch aficionados into its enchanting universe with “The Poetry of Time” exhibition —an entrée into the heart of French elegance and imaginative artistry. The exhibition is a journey into the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels, where the magic of its poetic collections are brought to life. Visitors will find themselves transported into an environment that meticulously recreates the enchanting allure of Paris.
At the core of the showcase lies the fusion of high jewelry and timekeeping. This year, the spotlight falls on their High Jewelry watches—a collection where the passage of time is marked in mesmerizing jewels. The À Cheval collection is a crowning example of this marriage, where the flexible and scintillating mountings highlight the beauty of diamonds and coloured gems, presenting time in a garb of opulence.
Yet, the true pièce de résistance is the Ludo Secret collection, a masterclass in the art of concealed luxury. This year, Van Cleef & Arpels reveals two new novelties in this line. These timepieces, at a casual glance, masquerade as mere bracelets. But nestled within their intricate designs lies a secret – a watch face, waiting to be revealed. This clever design is a tribute to the Maison’s heritage of mystery and understated glamour. The latest additions to this collection are a dialogue between past and present—rose gold meeting diamonds or pink sapphires in a harmonious union, reminiscent of the daring style of the 1930s. The meshwork of these pieces recalls a belt’s flexibility, assembled meticulously by hand to ensure flawless articulation.
Finally, the Maison is also showcasing a unique new creation inspired by the 1941 Ludo Hexagone Macaron secret watch. The dial is hidden behind a motif adorned with Mystery Set emeralds, remarkable for its intense colour effect and the complexity of its creation. This technique requires extreme precision and skill and uses golden rails to hold up precious gems carefully paired for colour and meticulously cut for the creations. Once in position, the stones fit entirely over the setting, lending the surface a clear brilliance.
Van Cleef & Arpels will also be celebrating its diverse range of collections, each embodying a unique universe. From the romantic narratives of the Love Stories collection, notably the Pont des Amoureux, to the whimsical charm of the Poetic Astronomy, Ballerinas and Fairies, and Enchanting Nature collections, each piece speaks to the Maison’s ability to capture the grace and enchantment of time.
^^A piece from the “Van Cleef & Arpels, Precious Jewels Telling Time” exhibition”
The Maison’s presence at Dubai Watch Week is also about delving into its rich heritage. The Van Cleef & Arpels’ Salons Dubai Opera boutique will host the “Van Cleef & Arpels, Precious Jewels Telling Time” exhibition, where guests can admire an impressive patrimonial collection. This includes a treasure trove of archival documents and historical timepieces ranging from the Art Deco period to the 1970s, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the brand and its enduring legacy in the world of luxury jewelry and watchmaking.
For the connoisseur, the collector, or the fashion-forward, this is an unmissable rendezvous—a sonata of elegance, history, and craftsmanship, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most luxurious events.
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