Van Cleef & Arpels’ New Timepiece: Unveiling the Enchanting Brassée de Lavande
Step into a realm where time is not merely measured but celebrated with artistry and nature’s grace. At the Dubai Watch Week 2025, Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled a masterpiece, the Brassée de Lavande, a captivating automaton that dances with time. But here’s where the magic begins: this creation isn’t just about telling time; it’s a narrative of nature’s serenity and transformation.
Bernard, the creative mind behind this piece, reveals, “We’re crafting a scene from enchanted nature, using flora and fauna to express our vision.” The lavender, a recurring motif in Van Cleef & Arpels’ brooches, was chosen for its symbolic significance. “Lavender purifies and captivates with its scent and visual allure,” he adds. And this is where the story takes an intriguing turn.
Enter the butterfly, a symbol of metamorphosis. “It’s a cycle of transformation, freedom, and beauty,” Bernard explains. The lavender and butterfly coexist in harmony. As the flower blooms, the butterfly dances, bringing the piece to life. But the true marvel lies beneath the surface.
The Brassée de Lavande boasts two distinct movements: one for animation and one for timekeeping. The lavender petals open gracefully, while the butterfly takes flight. “Achieving this fluidity was a challenge, ensuring the mechanics remain hidden,” Bernard discloses. Each lavender sprig, crafted from gold, posed a unique challenge due to its weight. “With 36 sprigs, we had to slow down their movement to maintain smoothness,” he says. A novel energy storage system ensures graceful and precise motion.
The craftsmanship is extraordinary. “We select specific crafts to narrate our story,” Bernard asserts. The ateliers, spread across Saint Croix, Paris, and Geneva, work in harmony. The butterfly’s wings, crafted with plique-à-jour enamel, resemble stained glass, while the lavender sprigs are shaped by hand and lacquered with airbrushes, a meticulous process.
But the emotional connection is what sets this piece apart. “We translate mechanism into emotion through storytelling,” Bernard says. The automaton’s animation is accompanied by a carillon, adding depth to the experience. “With movement and music, we create a multi-dimensional sensory journey,” he explains. The animation, synchronized with sound and time, creates a captivating moment.
Looking forward, Bernard envisions a future of storytelling through jewelry and automatons. “Our creations enchant and bring a positive perspective to life,” he believes. When asked about his favorite creation, Bernard confesses Brassée de Lavande holds a special place. “It’s a perfect blend of flower, butterfly, and mechanism,” he smiles. For Bernard, this piece redefines our relationship with time, making us appreciate the slow, deliberate, and beautiful moments.
Van Cleef & Arpels, with Brassée de Lavande, reminds us that time is measured not by seconds, but by the moments of beauty we choose to cherish.