A tribute to Japanese culture, Van Cleef & Arpels’s Carpe Koï watch bracelet required 3,450 hours of masterful labor. Photos courtesy Van Cleef & Arpels.

Unveiled at Salon de la Haute Horlogerie 2015, the high jewelry piece features a surprise dial set with precious stones.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Forget ordinary. Van Cleef & Arpels went for the extraordinary with its new Carpe Koï watch bracelet. Modeled in the shape of a carp — the orange-colored fish viewed as a symbol of both love and strength — the unique timepiece comes alive thanks to 8,000 artfully selected stones. Yellow sapphires and spessartite garnets adorn the charming creature’s body, while spiraling tourmalines and white diamonds evoke a tranquil, watery habitat. Worn wrapped around the wrist, the creation is unfastened by pressing on the carp’s tail, releasing the body. As for the all-important watch dial? It’s characteristically discreet, waiting to be discovered with a gentle opening of the fish’s mouth.

—Jan. 30, 2015