Van Cleef & Arpels

• cal. 830p manual winding movement, 19 jewels • paillonné enamel dial with radiating corundum sapphire facets, a white gold, diamond set, and champlevé enamel Fortuna in flight with a cornucopia of mandarin garnets and colored sapphires, white gold baton hands • 18k white gold case, diamond-set bezel, T bar lugs and crown, inscribed case back secured by four screws • case and movement signed • 18k white gold and diamond set Van Cleef and Arpels buckle

CASECase with very light wear and superficial scuffs from occasional use. Left side case band signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Case back is signed and personally inscribed "With Love, Dominique Baron," the fine art enamel artist of the present lot, who was employed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Case back with light wear and superficial scuffs. Diamonds have not been tested for quality or color. All diamonds are present. Buckle with equivalent wear. DIALDial in excellent condition with delicate and attractive champlevé and paillonné enamel work. The head of Fortuna is a pear shaped diamond. MOVEMENTMovement in very good condition.The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Accompanied by a Van Cleef & Arpels International Certificate of Authenticity booklet dated August 15, 2013. Together with a VCA Timepieces book 2013, an additional booklet, one setting tool, one travelling case, and a presentation box with outer packaging. The total diamond weight is approximately 2.74 cts, E.E.F. VVS.

The present lot is an exquisite example of artistry in watchmaking, jewelry, and dial creation. The work is that of Dominique Baron, an esteemed artist who personally inscribed the back of the case ‘With love, Dominique’, reflecting her affectionate relationship with the original buyer, as well as the love and dedication with which she approached her work. In this particular example, we are also fortunate to see the individualized creation at her patron’s request.

Indeed, the present example may be designated a prototype, as its gem-setting was done in more subtle, delicate tones of orange, blue and yellow, as opposed to the more saturated colors in the remaining 21 watches from the limited series. The watch is accompanied by a rendering of this process, so that we can see the conversation between the artist, the Maison, and the client, showing the attention paid to this specific piece.

Dominique Baron’s exquisite creations have cemented her reputation as a pioneer of the almost-lost art of enameling. Her delicately-rendered enamel dials have enchanted audiences across the globe.  Perhaps most known for her work behind the Van Cleef & Arpels’ Poetic Complications dials, Baron worked for many of the top horological firms, including Jaeger LeCoultre and Patek Philippe.  Her relationship with Van Cleef & Arpels began in 2005, and she is responsible for some of their most visually arresting dials. Working with enamels is an arduous, time-consuming craft, that requires such precision, that some strokes are made with a paint brush containing a single hair.   Baron found inspiration in the natural world, and used her mastery of enamel work to bring these dials to life, creating scenes that vibrated with energy and transported audiences to fantastical lands.

The micro-mosaic enameled wings of Fortuna Féerie are delicately rendered in bright, yet translucent, yellows and greens, similar to that of the Maison's cherished butterflies, deep and powerful symbols of life, love, and luck. The Lady Arpels, Palais La Chance Collection, to which the present lot belongs, was inspired by femininity and luck. Fortuna’s head is composed of a single rose-cut diamond, and she is gracefully in flight, while sharing the wealth of her cornucopia. The jewels tumbling out from her cornucopia make their way around the dial of the watch, suggesting a virtuous cycle of giving and receiving, and an eternal, infinite nature to her generosity.

The present lot is number 8 in a limited series of 22.