Van Cleef & Arpels welcomes new exciting creations to the Alhambra family

ALHAMBRA SECRET PENDANT WATCH

Celebrating the poetry of a time that remains hidden, the three new creations, together with a limited-edition model, are created to be worn on the chain of a long necklace. They embody the notion of a personal time—concealed at the heart of the emblematic, four-leafed clover-inspired motifs—only to be revealed at one’s will and pleasure with a simple action pivoting the stone-set motif to unveil the dial.

Gracing two of the Alhambra secret pendant watches is radiant guilloché gold, partnering one dial in white mother-of-pearl beneath a motif in guilloché rose gold, along with another dial in guilloché yellow gold inside a shimmery and fully diamond- set case. Warm red tones imbued by carnelian accompanies the third piece cast in the softness of rose gold that enfolds a dial in white mother-of-pearl, delicately embellished with diamonds.

Created in limited numbers, a fourth variant, decorated in turquoise of a rare quality satisfying the Maison’s criteria meets the warmth of yellow gold, and sparkle of diamonds bordering the case and around the dial. For the ultimate finish, the curves of each of these Alhambra secret pendant watch novelties boast a glimmering double beaded contour. To ensure flexibility and comfortable wear, a jump ring—set with diamonds and lined with a delicate beaded profile—caps off each pendant.

SWEET ALHAMBRA WATCH

Shifting from secret pendant watches, the Alhambra horology escapade continues to the Sweet Alhambra, which reiterates its delicate dimensions with two new interpretations—each boasting a case fringed with a double beaded contour and set with diamonds along its sides. Treasured turquoise and lapis lazuli are used to decorate the two dials where inside the bezel, another row of dazzling diamonds is found lining the dial—complementing the allure of the ornamental stones and accentuating the contrast with the yellow gold.

The bonus of interchangeable bracelets—clad in a palette of dark or light blue, black and burgundy—is a delightful extra presented with the new Sweet Alhambra watches where a simple press of the fingers effortlessly removes the strap for another to match one’s mood or outfit.

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND EXPERTISE

What needs to be described again and again is the unparalleled savoir faire of the Maison whose gemologists expertly ensure the ornamental stones used match the most stringent criteria and highest standards. Case in point: the evenness and intensity of colour of the carnelian, turquoise and lapis lazuli, besides sparkling, vivid diamonds only of D to F for colour and IF to VVS for clarity.

Thereafter, the creations are paved with the snow-setting technique by uniting stones of different diameters to cover as much of the surface as possible. Thanks to the openwork gold structure, light is allowed to pass through for the diamonds to reveal their brilliance when the watch is opened—which is enhanced by the intricate polishing of each individual component and also the finished piece.

The peerless attention to detail encompassing some fifteen stages of selection, workmanship and checking guarantee the utmost illumination and beauty of the ensembles. As such, the art of telling time is rekindled—defined by the stone selection to the setting, and the jewellery craftsmanship to the adjustment of the watch movement—laying the foundation for a unique piece that will stand the test of time.