SIGN OF THE TIME

Personalised watches can make thoughtful gifts. But for the time(or creativity-) strapped who find it a challenge to dream up a unique motif that can be etched on a caseback, or even pick out a special strap because of the sheer variety of choices available – here’s an easier alternative.

Van Cleef & Arpels’ zodiac-themed collection, Midnight Zodiac Lumineux, comprises 12 models, each dedicated to a different Western astrological sign. Each zodiac symbol is sculpted from white gold and set against a dark blue, glittery enamel backdrop. Within each constellation, a few points are represented by small enamel beads, which are backlit by between four and six LED lights when a button at eight o’clock is pushed. This delightful feature is made possible by a piezoelectric mechanism, which consists of a ceramic blade that vibrates and enables electrical energy to be generated mechanically. A bright idea, and a charming way to show the recipient that you remembered their birthday (or at least, their birthday month).

There’s also little need for the wearer to worry about bumping into a fellow, say, Libran sporting a similar timepiece. They are produced in limited quantities, with only one piece for each sign currently available. Also, these watches are individually numbered, so no two models will bear the same number – so the recipient will still be special.