Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils Celestial Watch Collection at Watches & Wonders 2026
At Watches & Wonders 2026, Van Cleef & Arpels presented seven new timepieces under its 'Poetry of Time' philosophy, emphasizing narrative-driven watchmaking. The collection includes the Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune, featuring a 24-hour day-night display and an animated moon phase on black aventurine glass. Other highlights are the Midnight Heure d'ici & Heure d'ailleurs with dual time zones, the Ludo Secret bracelet with a hidden dial, and the Perlée watch with a cosmic blue dial. The Lady Rencontre Céleste and Lady Retrouvailles Célestes depict the myth of Vega and Altair through enamel and gemstones. Rainer Bernard, Director of R&D for Watchmaking since 2011, discussed how engineering serves storytelling, noting that patents follow creative solutions. The maison has been making watches since 1906 and continues to blend high jewelry, craftsmanship, and horology.
Key facts
- Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled seven new timepieces at Watches & Wonders 2026.
- The collection is part of the 'Poetic Complications' line, now 20 years old.
- The Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune features a 24-hour day-night display and animated moon phase.
- Black aventurine glass from Murano was developed for the Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune.
- The Midnight Heure d'ici & Heure d'ailleurs offers a poetic dual time zone display.
- The Ludo Secret bracelet conceals a dial under a sapphire-set clasp.
- Lady Rencontre Céleste and Lady Retrouvailles Célestes depict the myth of Vega and Altair.
- Rainer Bernard has been Director of R&D for Watchmaking at Van Cleef & Arpels since 2011.
Entities
Artists
- Rainer Bernard
- Thor Svaboe
Institutions
- Van Cleef & Arpels
- Whitewall
- Watches & Wonders
- Van Cleef & Arpels' Innovation Department
- Van Cleef & Arpels' Watchmaking Workshops
- Van Cleef & Arpels' enamel workshop
- Watches and Wonders
- Oracle Time
- GQ
- Fratello
- Wallpaper
Locations
- Geneva
- Switzerland