Watches & Wonders 2015: Van Cleef Arpels Cadrans Extraordinaires Oiseaux Enchantés

The interplay of youthful creativity smouldering within the age-old framework of ancient crafts is perhaps best demonstrated by Van Cleef & Arpels’ Cadrans Extraordinaires Oiseaux Enchantés, a 3- piece bestiary inspired by birds (a Northern Cardinal, a hummingbird and a kingfisher) as part of the Extraordinary Dials collection. The ever delicate and precise miniature feather art is executed in collaboration with Parisian feather artist, Nelly Saunier where she selects feathers of the right colour and texture then carefully removes their bards and barbules, and skilfully assembles them against a landscape made of jade, turquoise and lapis lazuli. The rest of the bird as well as its periphery are matched by the remarkable precision of hard stone marquetry, resulting in incredible dials of subtle depth. The timepieces measure 38mm in diameter and are further illuminated by a diamond- encrusted bezel. They are equipped with the manual-winding 830P movement with 60 hour power reserve and run at limited editions of 22 pieces per model.