In an ode to its longstanding relationship with ballet, Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its new Extraordinary Dials collection, where the poetry of dance and the march of time come together in breathtaking harmony.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ connection with the ballet can trace its origins to Paris in the 1920s, when the renowned jewellery Maison’s Founder, Louis Arpels, would frequently visit the Opéra Garnier, located a short walk from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Place Vendôme boutique. This passion for ballet was something he passed on to his nephew Claude, and so began the Maison’s generational affiliation with the art of classical dance.
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Fast forward to now, and the enchanting world of ballet has continued to be a significant influence on Van Cleef & Arpels, in both its jewellery collections and notably, in its timepiece creations too. And now, as part of its haute horology offering, the Maison is unveiling its Extraordinary Dials collection, comprising two incredible watches inspired by the rich tapestry of ballet and finished with the Maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship. So intricate and exceptional are these timepieces, in fact, that they truly transcend the realm of mere accessories, becoming veritable works of art that dance upon the wrist.
“With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit.”
Drawing from the ethereal grace of dance, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us into a pas de deux with two watches that draw on iconic 19th-Century ballets: Casse-Noisette and La Belle au bois dormant. With meticulous attention to detail, the Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette and Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant watches weave tales of romance and enchantment, capturing the essence of these timeless performances in miniature tableaux.
The Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette pays homage to Marius Petipa’s beloved ballet, first performed in 1892, through a symphony of colour and movement. Against a backdrop of winter hues, the ballerina and her prince, each with a rose-cut diamond face, come to life in a spectacle of painted costumes that appear in graceful motion. Here, the dial has become a canvas where 70 different colours, finishes and enamelling techniques (some of which were only developed in 2023) converge, culminating in Van Cleef & Arpels’ richest creation to date. Each element, from the shimmering diamonds to the coloured sapphires, blue tourmalines, onyx, sugilite and lapis lazuli contributes to a mesmerising ballet of light and shadow.
Meanwhile, the Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant transports us to the magical realm of Princess Aurora and her century-long sleep. Against a rose gold castle backdrop, the princess and her prince charm us with their tender embrace, while ribbons of white gold, diamonds and champlevé enamel unfurl like delicate tendrils of ivy. Lilac flowers bloom in a celebration of the awakening, their matte vallonné enamel petals juxtaposed with the brilliance of sapphires. With each passing moment, the dial becomes a more vibrant tableau, capturing the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky’s score and Petipa’s choreography in a single glance.
At the heart of these extraordinary timepieces lies Van Cleef & Arpels’ unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. In its Geneva workshops, the Maison’s artisans employ ancient métiers d’art techniques alongside cutting-edge developments to bring each dial to life. From the intricate sculpting of shaped enamel to the meticulous fusion of sealed enamel, every step of the process is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ dedication to excellence. To marvel at these exquisite creations is to be reminded that time itself is a precious gift — one to be cherished and celebrated in every moment. With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit. And in a world where time feels more fleeting than ever, these watches remind us that beauty, like ballet, is eternal.
