Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The indicated price corresponds to the cabinet of five watches

The Poetry of Time

Whether one sees it as an abstract concept or defines it as a strictly scientific principle, Time is part of life. Of our lives. We run after it, we try to hold on to it, to catch up on it or run ahead of it… how ever hard we try, Time alone sets the pace, with majesty.

For Van Cleef & Arpels, Time is synonymous of poetry. Capturing its fleeting essence without ever restricting it, every season the Maison creates dreamlike timepieces with a bold creativity that never ceases to surprise. Symbols of the alliance between the best of watchmaking and jewellery know-how, they embody a heartbeat, a breath held back, an emotion, a memory or instant of happiness that longs to be enriched with new and precious moments.

Van Cleef & Arpels pays homage to all these moments by creating its latest timepieces collection: the lightness of the Charms watches that dance to the rhythm of steps, the new faces of the Timeless line that are a prelude to the Poetic Complications, where time is defined as a romantic lover’s promenade.

Inspired by the wondrous American adventure on which Van Cleef & Arpels embarked seventy years ago, from the mythical 744 Fifth Avenue address in New York to the images of California, the Fine Watchmaking creations also benefit from the most extraordinary craftsmanship in order to pluck magnificent flowers, capture a wing beat or graceful flight, seize the eternal beauty of a grandiose landscape. All are bold and elegant directions that give new breath to Van Cleef & Arpels’ Poetry of Time.

Extraordinary Dials

Using the techniques of enamelling, mother-of-pearl inlay or gold engraving, each dial tells a story, an original tale expressing true feelings of affection, admiration or love.

A symbol of renewal, the butterfly has inspired Van Cleef & Arpels creations for over a century.

It has just settled on five Extraordinary Dials, each one created in a limited edition of 8 pieces.

The Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly collection innovates by using the stained-glass enamelling technique for the first time. This technique enables the creation of genuine miniature stained-glass windows that capture the butterfly in full flight on a three-dimensional dial. The case, with its pure lines and identifiable style, was designed by Pierre Arpels in 1949, thus creating the famous PA 49 timepiece.

The simplicity of its central attachments majestically enhances the richness of the dial. The timepieces’ names Parvana, Vanessa, Euthalie, Kimama and Caligo are inspired by butterflies found in various cultures.