Ultra-rare Van Cleef & Arpels automata land in Melbourne for the Poetry of Time pop-up
Borna BošnjakA pop-up store is often the best way to experience a brand and its products you may otherwise not have a chance to see in person. That’s exactly the idea behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ Poetry of Time exhibition that landed in Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre this week. I had the chance to check it out, as well as find out more about a brand that I’ll be the first to admit is usually not on my watchmaking radar.
Now, even though this is only a pop-up, VCA brought the big guns. I was frankly astonished at the sheer number of haute horlogerie and joaillerie pieces the brand flew out for the exhibition. Whether you’re a fan of enamelling, gem-setting, high complications, or all three at the same time, the line-up is impressive.
Van Cleef & Arpels couldn’t skip the Pont des Amoureux, one-upping itself by bringing the entire “seasons” collection, but what will likely draw most visitors’ eyes are the brand’s floral automata. We had a longer session dedicated to explaining how the brand has moved much of its complication production in-house from its Agenhor-sourced beginnings, culminating in the 2022 GPHG-winning Lady Arpels Heures Florales Cerisier. Programmed with three different 12-hour sequences, the cherry flowers (hence the name of the watch) will bloom seemingly at random, their count revealing the current hours, with a minutes scale on the caseband.
The brand also prepared an enamelling demonstration – an art I’m particularly fond of, hence my excitement to give it a go myself. Tiny-tipped brush in hand, I had a go at the grisaille enamel dial of the Pont des Amoureux, but I’ll spare you from the visual horror of my attempt. Judging by my face, you can imagine just how well it went, meaning I’ll stick to writing, for better or worse.
The Poetry of Time pop-up runs until the end of July. Entries are free, and visitors will have the chance to send a postcard to their loved ones from the city that inspires much of what Van Cleef & Arpels names its “poetic” complications.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Borna and the Time+Tide Team
Watch meme of the week: I’m sorry Harry
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In light of Spain smashing it at the Euros, this felt quite fitting.
Wristshot of the week: a stunning lapis-tiled Vacheron Constantin
This rectangle Vacheron Constantin just jumped to the top of my “wants” list thanks to @crazykirbyh. Speaking of her account, if you’re on board with the recent trend of dainty, jewellery-like watches, you should definitely give it a follow.
Time+Tide Shop pick of the week: Doxa SUB 300T Sharkhunter Clive Cussler
For any fans that might’ve been miffed with Doxa choosing to go the parchment route with the first Clive Cussler, worry no more. The brand’s latest tribute to Dirk Pitt’s creator takes on an aged Sharkhunter look, keeping the compass rose dial motif and weathered steel case. Read Buffy’s full review, and check it out in the Doxa Shop. Price: US$3,250, A$4,990
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week
How Omega Olympic timekeeping technology maximises precision, fairness, and storytelling
The Paris 2024 Olympics are less than a week away – which means crunch time for as the Official Timekeeper at the Olympic Games. Precision timekeeping is an often-overlooked aspect of international sporting competitions like the Olympics – which is why Andrew visited Omega’s Timekeeping Lab in Switzerland to find out how Omega is revolutionising timekeeping at the Paris Games, and how these technologies not only maximise precision but also fairness and storytelling for this major event. Read more here, or watch the YouTube video above.
The new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Pogue tributes the brand’s legendary space chronograph
Seiko’s Speedtimer “Pogue” chronograph is one of the most important watches the brand has ever made. Is this new, solar-powered Prospex Speedtimer a worthy successor, or simply a colourful tribute? Find out in the video above, or read the full written review.
The Furlan Marri Disco Volante revives a retro-futuristic case design in a more accessible, adventurous format
From astronauts to flying saucers: Furlan Marri’s Disco Volante may be one of the most considered microbrand releases of recent times – its quirky Art Deco case and funky lume is one thing, but Furlan Marri hasn’t skimped on the movement, refining and hand-finishing its venerable Peseux 7001 in their Geneva workshops. Make sure you check out Jamie’s full breakdown, both in text and in video.