Dream Weaver

Horological fantasies are a real thing – and we know exactly where to look for them.

- Kenny Loh

Van Cleef & Arpels’ ideas run wild. Not the typical flora-and-fauna kind of wild, but in a more surreal way. For over 100 years, the Parisian house has turned not only to flowers, birds and garden critters for design inspiration, but also less-explored themes such as the great balls of the 20th century (and their graceful dancers), enchanting fairies, and even the stars and planets in the depths of our galaxy.

Backing those amazing ideas is a mad wealth of watch- and jewellery-making skills. Not just a pretty face, Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations have the smarts as well. A regal yellow gold Zip necklace adorned with diamonds transforms into an equally stunning bracelet; two platinum clips depicting a peony’s blooming features more than 700 rubies arranged so closely together that they appear free-standing (the brand proudly calls that patented technique Mystery Set); and a pair of lovers inch closer to each other with every passing hour and minute on a watch’s dial until they finally kiss at midnight.