The human race has always been fascinated with the universe and the countless celestial bodies that reside within the numerous galaxies. In our solar system, the Sun occupies the central position where it illuminates and provides the life-giving force to all living creatures on Earth. Apart from stimulating life, inspirations are also drawn from the Sun and creations based on it are aplenty. It’s unsurprising that the luxury French jeweller and watchmaker, Van Cleef & Arpels is paying homage to the single most important star of our lives as the Maison historically been enthralled by nature’s metamorphoses — driven by the effects of the Sun.

Paying homage to the Sun, the Maison created a limited edition watch that demonstrates its technical prowess and outstanding craftsmanship, and they called it the Lady Arpels Soleil Féerique. Within its 41mm case, a life-like replica of the Sun and its rays are assembled through a clever play of perspectives using precious gems and stones such as yellow sapphires, diamonds, and yellow and white gold. Seen flirting alongside the Sun is a fairy, a longtime muse of the Maison, chiselled from yellow gold that has both polished and textured finishings. Her face and wings are adorned with scintillating diamonds and overall, she seemed to be suspended in time. She appears again on the back of the case, hand-engraved and enveloped by sunbeams. 

Van Cleef & Arpels wants to invite you to its fantasy world where it celebrates the empyrean wonders with its deployment of a team of dedicated artisans to create this masterpiece. And in recognition of the Maison’s saviour-faire, it has been awarded the Artistic Crafts Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020. This award is reserved only for “watches demonstrating exceptional mastery of one or several artistic techniques,” the highest praise any watch and jewellery maker aspires to receive and Van Cleef & Arpels definitely deserves this honour. 

With only three pieces in the world, visit Van Cleef & Arpels’ website to find out how you can get your hands on this magnificent watch.

Images courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels