Lot 834
  • 834

Van Cleef & Arpels

Estimate
600,000 - 800,000 HKD
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Description

  • A LADY'S FINE AND ELEGANT WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND-SET DOUBLE RETROGRADE BRACELET WATCH WITH ENAMEL DIALNO 591 PONT DES AMOUREUX CIRCA 2014
  • diameter 38 mm, bracelet circumference 140 mm
• JLC cal.846 manual winding jeweled nickel lever movement, 34 jewels • grisaille enamel dial with a nocturnal scene depicting the rendezvous of a couple on lover's bridge over the Thiou River, Arabic numerals, fan-form sector for retrograde hour and minute display, white gold retrograde figures of the lovebirds reuniting and kissing twice a day at 12 o'clock • 18k white gold case, diamond-set bezel, lugs and crown, engraved case back secured by 4 screws • with an 18k white gold and diamond-set Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with folding clasp • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Condition

Manual winding movement and retrograde function in working order during cataloguing. Dial is nice and clean, in excellent condition. Case with only very minor surface hairlines to the band. Bracelet with light sign of use. Overall in excellent condition. A romantic and exquisite timepiece, highly recommended! Case numbered HH59153 and 3480170. Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Total diamond weight is approximately 11.285 carats.

With a Van Cleef & Arpels guarantee booklet, an instruction manual,4 extra links and a presentation box. 

The beauty of Le Pont des Amoureux, one of the Poetic Complications created by Van Cleef & Arpels, ultimately lies in magical stories that it unfolds with every passing minute.

The sophisticated timepieces breaks through the confinement of time telling; in a perfect marriage of style and function, Van Cleef & Arpels cleverly assigns the task of indicating the time to two whimsical figures, hour to the umbrella-toting lady; while her paramour is responsible for reporting the minutes. Marking the time, the two romantic lovers move slowly towards each other till they finally meet and kiss at noon and at midnight on the Le Pont des Amoureux over the River Seine. The nocturnal scene also features a gold star in the sky, representing the Great Bear constellation and also a symbol of luck. The glinting rays of the star shining upon the lovers in the dark sky become the signifier of the couple’s love.

The artistry of jewellery and complex watchmaking are intertwined in creating this iconic watch. Accentuating the visual extravagance, the bezel and bracelet of the watch is fully adorned by approximately 11.285 carats of diamonds. The romantic timepiece also features a grisaille enamel dial, which is one of the oldest enamelling techniques that use only black and white enamel. The grisaille enamel technique dates back to the 16th century and only very few enamellists have been able to master the grisaille technique. Numerous layers of enamel are applied to create different layers of colours, and each application of enamel necessitates a baking in the furnace between 740 and 840 degree Celsius. The result is a work of art that catches the light and creates a great sense of depth, lending a poetic aura to the dial.