This Watch

We have here an incredibly elegant ladies Van Cleef & Arpels wristwatch.  Under the sapphire glass is the black dial with a mixture of painted, Roman numerals and stick hour markers sat inside a railway-style minute tracking.  The gilt, pencil hands add a nice contrast to the dial.  The dial is signed 'Van Cleef & Arpels' at 12 o'clock and 'Paris' at 6.

The octagonal-shaped, solid 18ct gold case measures 24mm, so it would be best suited for a woman's wrist.  It has articulated 'Vendôme' lugs with a T-bar for that extra touch of elegance.  Inside is the mechanical manual wind caliber, fully service by us and running strongly.  The watch on a quality french Genuine Crocodile strap & Van Cleef & Arpels original 18ct gold, pin buckle, something that is incredibly rare for a watch of this age! 

Extra Points

In 1895 in Paris, Estelle Arpels, the daughter of a dealer in precious stones, married a Dutchman, Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a diamond broker.  In 1906, Alfred Van Cleef established 'Van Cleef & Arpels' with Estelle’s brothers and the first boutique was opened at 22 Place Vendôme.  The business has never moved from that address.

Between 1910 and 1920, Van Cleef & Arpels also opened boutiques throughout France in Nice, Deauville, Vichy, Lyon and Cannes.

Van Cleef & Arpels is known for its exclusive clientele, dressing the likes of Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, the Princess of Wales, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, and Princess Fawzia of Egypt, among others.

From one of the high-end jewellery brands, this watch is the very definition of elegance and luxury.  With clear nods to Cartier's designs, but still very much in keeping with VCA's discreet jewellery designs, this is the perfect watch for every lady's collection! Quality and sophistication with a high grade swiss caliber.  A rare piece and not easy to find in solid 18k Gold. 

 

Spec Stuff