Only 22 of each of the new Van Cleef & Arpels watches, including the Lady Arpels Martin-Pêcheur Azur, were crafted. Photo courtesy Watches&Wonders 2015.

On the Lady Arpels Colibri Indigo watch, a hummingbird hovers over a flower made of hard stone marquetry and diamonds. Photo courtesy Van Cleef & Arpels.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

A surprising material sets the latest timepieces from Van Cleef & Arpels apart: Feathers. The luxe label’s new trio of Oiseaux Enchantés Extraordinary Dials creations feature meticulous miniature feather art, done in partnership with feather artist Nelly Saunier. Delicate plumes were alternately used to bring a kingfisher, a cardinal, and a hummingbird to life on a 38mm dial. The most challenging part in realizing the nature-inspired vision? No two feathers are the same color, shape, texture, or thickness. It’s no wonder, then, that the innovative feats in fine watchmaking — which were recently unveiled at the third edition of haute horlogerie exhibition Watches&Wonders in Hong Kong — are limited edition.

—October 2015

An elegant alligator bracelet and yellow gold pin buckle set with round diamonds are the perfect finishing touch for the Lady Arpels Cardinal Carmin. Photo courtesy Van Cleef & Arpels.