In the world of haute horlogerie, few maisons possess the audacity to transform a timepiece into a canvas for pure artistic expression. Van Cleef & Arpels, with its latest Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés collection, once again proves that watchmaking can transcend mere function to become poetry in motion, quite literally capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature's bounty on the wrist.
A Symphony of Summer's Splendor
The new Myrtille—Blueberry— and Framboise—Raspberry—timepieces are nothing short of miniature masterpieces, each dial a sun-drenched orchard frozen in time. These aren't simply watches adorned with fruit motifs; they are three-dimensional sculptures that celebrate the voluptuous curves and brilliant luster of summer berries through the revolutionary façonné enamel technique—a proprietary innovation developed exclusively by Van Cleef & Arpels in 2023.
The Framboise variation, housed in 18K rose gold (ref. VCARPEV200), captures the ruby-red intensity of perfectly ripened raspberries, while the Myrtille, crafted in 18K white gold (ref. VCARPEV300), celebrates the deep, mystical hues of wild blueberries. Both variations are crowned with the maison's iconic Perlée beading—that signature emblem of timeless elegance that has become synonymous with Van Cleef & Arpels' distinctive aesthetic vocabulary.
A Testament to Métiers d'Art
What sets these timepieces apart is not merely their visual splendor, but the extraordinary technical prowess required to bring them to life. The façonné enamel technique represents a marriage between centuries-old craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. Enamel powder is delicately poured into precision molds and fired twice according to exacting temperature profiles, creating a striking visual effect that merges volume with transparency, allowing the berries to appear almost edible in their three-dimensional glory.
This breakthrough technique joins Van Cleef & Arpels' impressive arsenal of decorative arts, including champlevé, vallonné, and plique-à-jour enamel work. Each method serves the maison's greater mission: to transform the passage of time into a narrative experience, where every glance at the dial reveals new layers of artistry and meaning.
Within the Geneva Watchmaking Workshops, Van Cleef & Arpels maintains not just production facilities, but living laboratories where traditional métiers d'art are preserved, perfected, and reimagined. The maison's dedication to transmission is evident in its training schools, where master craftsmen pass down ancestral knowledge while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what's possible in miniature art.
The Fruits Enchantés collection exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. Delicate fairies crafted in contrasting gold dance among the berry clusters, their forms brought to life through meticulous hand-engraving and diamond setting. Leaves shimmer with miniature painting techniques that capture every vein and texture, while the textured base provides depth and context to these enchanted scenes.
Technical Excellence in Service of Beauty
Beyond their artistic merit, these timepieces deliver impeccable technical specifications. The 30 mm cases are adorned with 83 round diamonds of DEF color and IF to VVS clarity—approximately 1.07 carats—, while Swiss Quartz movements ensure precision timekeeping. Each watch comes with two interchangeable alligator straps, allowing wearers to adapt their timepiece to different occasions while maintaining the collection's distinctive color palette. Each watch comes with a especially laser-engraved solid case back.
The Poetry of Time
In an era where smartwatches dominate conversations about innovation, Van Cleef & Arpels reminds us that true advancement sometimes lies not in connectivity or complications, but in the ability to make time itself beautiful. The Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés collection doesn't simply tell time, it celebrates it, transforming each moment into an opportunity to appreciate the intersection of nature's perfection and human artistry.
These timepieces represent more than luxury accessories; they are wearable manifestations of Van Cleef & Arpels' founding belief that jewelry and watches should capture life's most beautiful moments. In the case of Fruits Enchantés, that moment is the fleeting perfection of summer berries at their peak—now preserved forever in gold, enamel, and diamonds, ready to enchant for generations to come.
Sticker Price USD 57,500 for Framboise and USD 61,000 for Myrtille. More details on Van Cleef & Arpels here.
