Created in the early 1930s, this wristwatch is composed of a wooden case, a metal dial and a double leather strap that can be adjusted using the wooden components. With its streamlined profile, the piece lends itself articularly well to sports. The tagline “wooden watch, perfect movement” underscores the benefits of this lighter, more practical material compared to traditional metals and stones. The functionality of wristwatches  reflects how watchmaking designs have addressed the concerns of modern life.

The Cadenas wristwatch occupies a privileged place among the Maison’s emblematic creations. The 1935 first yellow gold model was followed by numerous color variations, which introduced sapphires, rubies, diamonds and emeralds, as well as a leather strap. Its refined architectural silhouette and bold volumes place this piece firmly within the modernist movement. The creation also complies with a rule of etiquette from the period: namely, that one must consult their watch with discretion.

Reminiscent of a belt, the Ludo aesthetic was introduced in 1934. These creations reflect Van Cleef & Arpels’ taste for trompe l’œil designs that evoke the world of couture. Among them, the watches have stood out since 1937 for their cleverly concealed dials. Simultaneous pressure on the two gem-set motifs, here adorned with sapphires, opens the flap to reveal the dial. 

When Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1906, the artistic world demonstrated a great sensitivity to nature. Attuned to the aesthetic context of the time, the Maison rapidly showed a profound interest in flora and fauna, which continued throughout the 20th century, as illustrated by the Oak Leaf wristwatch, created in 1951. Its gold dial is set within a fully articulated wristband. This bracelet faithfully reproduces the leaves of an oak tree, which seem to part as if blown by a breeze to reveal the time. Its engraved gold is strewn with closed-set diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The overlapping leaves impart a sense of movement and vitality to the watch.

Designed in the late 1940s by Pierre Arpels for himself and his loved ones, the PA49 wristwatch embodies Van Cleef & Arpels’ vision of masculine elegance. Striking a balance between simplicity and sophistication, it stands out for its slim round case, held in place by two central “roller” attachments, allowing it to slip seamlessly under a shirt cuff. Suitable for everyday wear, this creation has been revisited several times by the Maison and remains a part of its contemporary collections.

Created in the mid-1940s, the Daisy design is characterized by its use of yellow gold engraved with floral motifs. Particularly successful among these creations are the sliding watches, first introduced in the 1930s. Easily slipping into a pocket or a purse, these pieces enable their owners to discretely check the time. The daisy florets feature diamonds set on platinum, while the corollas are left unembellished (“in réserve”) on a guilloché background and repeated in different shapes and sizes, like a tapestry motif. Some petals appear to be falling away, in a nod to “He loves me… he loves me not” game.

The Maison’s deep-rooted inquisitiveness into the natural world has inspired countless creations. In the 1990s, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to feature flora alongside precious animals. These three brightly colored pieces bear witness to the richness of the Maison's jewelry garden.

Visitors are invited to discover this exhibition of bejeweled watches, that blend jewelry savoirfaire and watchmaking expertise to give time a precious and elegant display.