04 Jan 2024
A blend of sophistication and restraint, the Pierre Arpels watch has ticked hours away with refinement since 1949. Through the decades, it has given rise to a collection in its own right, establishing certain codes of Van Cleef & Arpels watchmaking. Today, the Pierre Arpels creations continue to be distinguished by their aesthetic that combines pure lines and plays of light. From the finesse of the case, punctuated by central attachments, down to the piqué motif adorning the dial, they reflect the Maison’s attention to detail and the excellence of its know-how.
Created in 1949, the Pierre Arpels watch evokes a discreet elegance that stands the test of time. Lightly adorning the wrist, its ultra-refined case is delicately held by two central attachments – an aesthetic that has become a signature of Van Cleef & Arpels watches. Positioned on either side of the dial, at six o’clock and twelve o’clock, they hold the strap in place thanks to a “ three- link ” roller attachment subtly highlighting the lines of the piece. On the gold watches, the mirror-polished finish creates subtle plays of light running along the bezel. When the latter is set with diamonds, a sparkling halo magnifies the whiteness of the dial. The precious stone adds the finishing touch to the crown of all Pierre Arpels watches, enhancing the radiance of the entire piece.
Offering a showcase to the passing of time, the dial is adorned with a piqué motif inspired by the Maison’s hallmark, which is also found on the buckle of the strap. Two fine hands sweep past the hour-markers, indicated by Roman numerals at three, six, nine and twelve o’clock. They create a subtle effect of perspective and depth. Available in two sizes – 38 and 42 mm – the case presents a slightly beveled profile that slips smoothly under clothing. The combination of these different details gives the watch a timeless harmony.
The Pierre Arpels watches are equipped with a manual-winding mechanical movement and a power reserve of forty-eight to sixty hours, making them everyday companions. The collection includes a complication model that extends an invitation to escape. The Pierre Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs version combines two time zones, presenting an understated yet poetic interpretation of travel. Designed and assembled in the Van Cleef & Arpels Watchmaking Workshops in Geneva, all Pierre Arpels creations bear witness as much to the Maison’s style as to its watchmaking expertise.
