Van Cleef & Arpels - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Van Cleef & Arpels
    Year: Circa 2011
    Case No: 3'460'177
    Model Name: Poetic Complications From the Earth to the Moon
    Material: 18k white gold and enamel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 846, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black Van Cleef & Arpels crocodile leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, case further engraved Piece Unique No. 1/1
    Accessories: With Van Cleef & Arpels undated Limited Edition Certificate, loupe, instruction manual, pouch, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    For over a century, Van Cleef & Arpels has combined styles with poetry and high horology. The present Poetic Complication From the Earth to the Moon is a unique piece created in 2011 specially for the Only Watch Charity Auction, where the watch sold for a staggering 215,000 Euros.

    This poetic creation offers the owner a fascinating experience of wearing the imaginary universe on the wrist. The dial features a captivating space theme executed with jade, agate, meteorite stone and champlevé enamel. Equipped with a retrograde movement, the dial is decorated with an agate-set planet in the centre and a space capsule and star travelling across two planets crafted with champlevé enamel, indicating the hour and minutes.

    The exclusivity of this timepiece is certified on the case back with an engraved number 1/1 which signifies its uniqueness. Complete with original certificate and fitted presentation box, the present watch combines technical virtuosity and a sense of wonder.

  • Artist Biography

    Van Cleef & Arpels

    French

    When Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels fell in love, their marriage paved the way for iconic jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels to become a symbol of unification. With their background in precious stone dealing, the Arpels found their perfect match in the Van Cleefs, a family of expert stonecutters. In 1906, Estelle's brother Charles established the company name with Alfred's help and opened shop in the Place Vendôme in Paris. To this day, this Parisian neighborhood is associated with turn-of-the-century luxury.

    The Van Cleef & Arpels aesthetic has always had its finger on the pulse of worldwide trends: For example, the house took inspiration from Tutankhamen upon the Egyptian king's discovery in the 1920s, which spurred a global phenomenon marrying Egyptian Revival and Art Deco motifs. Over the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has produced intricate watches, earrings and necklaces with a signature elegance that mirrors contemporary tastes. 

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Various Properties

Σ1079

A very fine and unique white gold retrograde wristwatch with champlevé enamel, jade, agate and meteorite stone dial

Circa 2011
42 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, case further engraved Piece Unique No. 1/1

Estimate
HK$480,000 - 640,000 
€57,800-77,100
$60,000-80,000

Sold for HK$600,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017