This is one watch that is destined for global distinction. Part of the Poetic Complications® series by Van Cleef & Arpels, this Five weeks in a balloon watch is inspired by the Jules Verne novel, Les Voyages Extraordinaires.
The dial is created with the old-world technique of champlevé enamel and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. It depicts a hot air balloon rising over Zanzibar. The retrograde hours are indicated by a bird in flight on the left side of the dial, while the retrograde minutes are indicated by the movement of the balloon’s anchor on the right side of the dial. (Retrograde meaning that the hand moves through the full count, and then returns back to the beginning to start again.)
Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the stunning watch is a deft blending of high watchmaking – merging complicated haute horology with creative design and master craftsmanship – the way only Van Cleef & Arpels can do it.