An Icon Renewed

Discontinued over 70 years ago, Van Cleef & Arpels’ emblematic Ludo bracelet – with its distinct Art Deco aesthetic – takes centre stage once again in five secret watches.

The worlds of couture and high jewellery have been entwined throughout Van Cleef & Arpels’ illustrious history. And one such piece that perfectly encapsulates both universes is the Ludo bracelet. A combination of innovation and elegance, its supple lines pay tribute to French high fashion by evoking the belt, a sought-after fashion accessory for bold, stylish women in the 1930s.

Created in 1934 by Maison's artistic director at the time, Renée Puissant, the unique piece has bestowed the nickname of her cousin, Louis “Ludo” Arpels, one of the house’s founders and the youngest Arpels brother. An interesting point to note: it was Louis’ wife, Hélène Arpels, a model and the collection’s muse, who contributed to Ludo’s success when she was frequently photographed wearing the bracelet over long black gloves.

Resembling a textured ribbon, Ludo is a wide, articulated mesh composed of either small rectangular bricks (briquette) or honeycomb-like (hexagon) motifs arranged in a mosaic pattern. The first Ludo in 1934 featured briquette motifs, while the hexagon version was introduced the following year. Yellow gold was the favoured precious metal for most Ludo creations, but iterations in platinum were made as well.