Cadenas
One of the Maison's most iconic pieces, the Cadenas watch debuted in 1935. With a refined style characteristic of its era, the timepiece stands out for its angled dial and loop-shaped clasp that evokes the image of a cadenas, or a padlock.
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The Maharani Sita Devi Sahib of BarodaIn her hotel room in London, April 1951
Photo by Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images -
The Duchess of WindsorIn the US, January 1st, 1941
Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images -
Actress Paulette GoddardCirca 1940
An elegant gesture
At the time of the watch's creation, it was considered improper for women to check the time in public. Van Cleef & Arpels thus designed an innovative solution in the form of an angled dial that could only be read by the person wearing it.
An avant-garde style
Combining straight lines and curves, the watch features a loop reminiscent of a padlock. Its bold, sculpted silhouette reflects the modernist movement of the time.
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Cadenas watch, circa 1940Platinum, diamonds
A bold look
As a jewel that tells time, the case is accompanied by a double snake chain that embraces the curve of the wrist with suppleness. The model can also be worn with a leather strap for everyday wear.
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Cadenas watch, 1937Gold
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Cadenas watch, 1939Gold, rubies
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Cadenas watch, 1943Gold, sapphires
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Cadenas watch, 1943Gold, rubies
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Cadenas watch, 1944Gold, platinum, diamonds
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Cadenas wristwatch, 1972Yellow gold, wood, leather
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Cadenas watch, current collectionGold, diamonds, mother-of-pearl
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Cadenas watch, current collectionGold, diamonds, mother-of-pearl
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Cadenas watch, current collectionGold, diamonds
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Cadenas watch, current collectionGold, mother-of-pearl
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Cadenas watch, current collectionGold, diamonds, mother-of-pearl
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Cadenas watch, current collectionYellow gold, white gold, sapphires, diamonds
A timeless creation
Today, the Cadenas watch remains faithful to its original aesthetic, reflecting the Maison's jewelry savoir-faire and taste in gemstones. With each variation, the timepiece is embellished with precious stones or mirror-polished gold, a technique emblematic of Van Cleef & Arpels.
