Van Cleef & Arpels sets butterflies in motion for the SIHH 2016 watchmaking trade show

With the SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), Geneva's fine watchmaking trade fair, taking place January 18-22, just around the corner, jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels has once again paired master craftsmanship with an enchanting scene in the "Lady Arpels Ronde des Papillons" timepiece. This latest addition to the brand's "Poetic Creations" collection is a veritable ode to nature, with a watch face adorned with moving butterflies.

Butterflies have been a recurring theme for the French luxury brand since the 1920s. These delicate winged insects have once again provided inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels, just in time for the SIHH 2016 international fine watchmaking trade fair, due to open in Geneva in a few days' time.

Master watchmaking sets the pace for a winged ballet

Behind the delicate scene depicted on the watch face, a unique mechanism has been developed exclusively for this watch, based on a retrograde hour hand, variable-speed minutes and on-demand movement. It's a real feat of watchmaking, combining the meticulous work of master watchmakers and highly skilled craftspeople.

This mastery makes for a graceful scene, with three colorful butterflies looping around the dial in a winged ballet. Minutes are tracked by the butterflies' loops between the clouds, while the hour is shown by a swallow pointing to the corresponding number with the tip of a wing.

The scene on this exceptional model can also move on demand. At the simple press of a button, admirers can watch the butterflies fly around the clouds in a 13-second sequence.

Engravers, setters, enamelist, gem-cutters and miniature painting specialists have all worked hand in hand to create this poetic dial.

The "Lady Arpels Ronde des Papillons" watch has a 38mm-diameter white-gold case with a diamond-encrusted bezel and crown. The dial is finished in mother of pearl, engraved white gold, and features intricate miniature painting. The watch is paired with an alligator strap with a white gold pin buckle set with diamonds. It has a 42-hour power reserve.

Van Cleef & Arpels has a patent pending on the watch mechanism.