Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Heures Florales

Van Cleef & Arpels presents an exquisitely crafted, incredibly whimsical take on timekeeping that is underpinned by some surprising mechanical complexity. There are two versions of the Lady Arpels Heures Florales (€260,000), both 38mm in diameter: one in blues and greens and white gold, and a Cerisier in pinks and reds and rose gold; both feature diamonds, mother-ofpearl, other coloured stones in the case of the Cerisier, and delicate miniature painting to depict petals and butterflies. To tell the time, one must count the number of flowers that are open. At the top of the hour, the petals of each flower will slowly close, before a new combination of flowers – different each time, according to three repeating cycles – will spring open. Minutes are indicated via a gauge on the side of the watch.

It is not the quickest or most legible way to tell the time, but that is never really the point with the French maison. It is, however, a good excuse to periodically admire a romantic, wrist-worn work of art.