Van Cleef & Arpels Adds Secret Watches To The Alhambra Collection
The maison's beloved Alhambra range just got even better.
The Alhambra motif (it references a four-leaf clover, based on Jacques Arpel’s staunch belief in lucky talismans) is synonymous with Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA).
First launched in 1968, most people first encounter the Alhambra range as an elegant – if whimsical – necklace punctuated with the signature clover-shaped pendants, and seen on many a neck ranging from aristocrats like Grace Kelly to major jewellery enthusiasts like Elizabeth Taylor.
The new Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra secret watches elevates a classic design with a cleverly concealed timepiece.
Launched last month, the newest addition to the Alhambra lexicon comes in the form of four secret watch models is also the first of its kind for this particular range.
For the uninitiated, secret watches are usually women's exquisitely decorated jewellery pieces that typically contain a concealed timepiece. Here, the timepiece is concealed as an Alhambra pendant, set on an opera-length chain.
A thing of beauty.
The cases are available in guilloche rose gold, carnelian, yellow gold with pave diamonds and a limited edition one in turquoise. A simple twist is all it takes to reveal the dial which comes in two finishes: white mother-of-pearl and 18K yellow gold.
And to further elevate ease of use, the Alhambra pendant is linked to the main chain via a diamond-set jump ring. Combining good luck talismans with the functional? We're fans already.
Alhambra 18K yellow gold secret pendant watch with turquoise and diamonds, with mother-of-pearl dial
Alhambra 18K yellow gold secret pendant watch with diamonds, with guilloche 18K yellow gold dial
Alhambra 18K rose gold secret pendant watch with carnelian and diamonds, with mother-of-pearl dial
Alhambra 18K rose gold secret pendant watch with guilloché rose gold and diamonds, with mother-of-pearl dial