A moving homage to Linnaeus’ “flower clock”
Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate than with this delightful work of art from Van Cleef & Arpels
A new addition to its Poetic Complications Collection, the Lady Arpels Heures Florales Cerisier (cherry tree) is a miniature sculpture garden that recalls the golden age of automata, when complex, miniature machines captured the imagination by imitating flora and fauna both great and small.
Drawing on the know-how of the world of horology, these intricate, animated objects were finely geared “toys” for the wealthy and are now sought-after for the highly skilled craftsmanship of their movements and fine embellishment.The inspiration for this piece comes from Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician Carl Linnaeus’ Horologium florae, or “flower clock”, presented in 1751.
With a combined diamond carat weight of 5.1, this numbered edition is accompanied by two interchangeable straps, including this pink alligator version with a pin buckle also set with diamonds. Also available in a white-gold-and-blue colourway novelty. We can all do with a dose of magic right now, but this one does come in at a hefty R4.3-million. Experiencing this little wonder in person at Watches & Wonders Geneva in April this year was magically fulfilling enough for me.
vancleefarpels.com or RLG Africa on 011 317 2600.