Poetic Sky: Van Cleef & Arpels Writes a Poem of Time at the "Watches & Wonders" in 2026

For over a century, Van Cleef & Arpels has cherished the dream of resonating with the vast universe throughout time. At the 2026 Watches & Wonders Geneva exhibition, the Maison once again gazes at the heavens, refining its yearning for the vast celestial sphere and the dazzling galaxy into exquisite timepieces that embody the pinnacle of craftsmanship. These new horological masterpieces pay homage to the wonders of the stars and continue the Poetry of Time.

From the launch of its first pocket watch with a moon phase display in 1929 to the Meteor Secret wristwatch celebrating the stars in the 1950s, astronomy has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the Maison. This year, Catherine Renier, Global President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, stated: “The Poetic Complications collection, which reappears at the 2026 exhibition, skillfully blends watchmaking expertise with the narrative of time. Now, the Maison continues to write a captivating new poetic chapter in this creative vision.”

Midnight Day Night Moon Phase

A Precise Interpretation of the Poems on Lunar Phases

The highlight of this exhibition is undoubtedly the new Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune watch. Following its debut in 2024, the Maison once again introduces a new piece to the Jour Nuit series, which was launched in 2008. It features two overlapping complicated movements: one presents the day and night cycle, while the other, an "astronomical" complicated movement, presents the real-time moon phase, continuing the watchmaking tradition that began in 1929.

Within the 42mm white gold case, the dial unfolds a deep black Murano aventurine glass dome. As day turns to night, the golden sun disappears, and the bright moon, crafted from white mother-of-pearl, rises. Even more astonishingly, a simple press of the case button activates the on-demand animation module, causing the dial to rotate 360° within approximately 10 seconds, revealing the hidden moon once more.

This vivid scene is made possible by two precisely coordinated rotating discs: one depicts sunrise and sunset on a 24-hour cycle; the other operates at a rate of 24 hours, 16 minutes, and 27 seconds, perfectly matching the actual cycle of the moon's phases. Rainer Bernard, Van Cleef & Arpels' Director of Watch Development, revealed: "The key challenge of this piece was developing the on-demand animation module. We devoted four years to its dedicated research and development to recreate this celestial spectacle."

Midnight Time Here & Time Elsewhere (腕表)

A Journey to Revitalize Enamel Art

The Midnight Heure d'Ici & Heure d'Ailleurs watch poetically interprets the rhythm of dual time zones. Inside the 38mm rose gold case, the dial displays the local time at the top and the second time zone time at the bottom, featuring a newly developed jumping hour and retrograde minute module that advances the two time zones in sync.

To imbue the timepiece with a unique character, the artisans at the Maison's Geneva enamel workshop have achieved a groundbreaking artistic interpretation. They have successfully reproduced the double refraction of precious gemstones using enamel techniques, presenting a rich and profound amber brown hue. The workshop's Director of Artistic Craftsmanship and Enamel Development shared, "The main challenge was how to shape it without thinning the material. We combined the most exquisite techniques in glass blowing and enamel making to create an extremely delicate yet robust enamel."

New jewelry and timepieces

A Cosmic Tribute to Sapphire and Aventurine

Ludo Secret WatchPaying homage to the Ludo bracelet that debuted in 1934, the new piece is crafted from yellow gold into a soft and dynamic structure, set with deep sapphires. With a gentle press of a button, a guilloché-engraved white mother-of-pearl dial comes into view.

ANDExtraordinary Dials

A New Interpretation of the Legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl

The theme of love inspired the Maison to create two new timepieces: Lady Rencontre Céleste and Lady Retrouvailles Célestes. The former depicts lovers holding hands and gazing at each other under the stars in a deep blue hue; the latter uses pink and purple sunsets to depict the prelude to a reunion. The dials showcase a variety of time-honored artistic techniques, including cloisonné enamel, black enamel, stained glass enamel, and miniature painting, and incorporate the Maison's proprietary patented technology—directly setting gemstones on stained glass enamel to create a floating, light texture.

Poems of Time and Poetic Astrology

Since the Lady Arpels Centenaire watch was launched in 2006, the Poetic Complications collection has become an iconic symbol of the Maison's watchmaking philosophy. The Poetic Astronomy theme, through mechanical craftsmanship and precious materials, offers a captivating ode to the wonders of the universe. From the Lady Arpels Jour Nuit to the Lady Arpels Planétarium, Van Cleef & Arpels guides every gaze into a realm of contemplation and reverie, elevating the measurement of time into a celebration of miracles.