Butterflies have been a favorite theme of the maison’s since the 1920’s. Photos courtesy Van Cleef & Arpels.

The diamond-framed dial’s idyllic scene is reimagined on the back of the case.

BY KAREN AANONSEN

Van Cleef & Arpels has its horlogerie in the clouds. The new 38mm Lady Arpels Ronde des Papillons watch presents an enchanting aerial ballet starring mother-of-pearl clouds, brightly-painted butterflies, and an engraved white gold swallow which has been draped in black, white, and blue hues. While hours are indicated by the feathered creature’s wing tip, a trio of elegant insects ticks off the minutes, each appearing, successively, between the cumulus clouds. But that’s not where this timepiece stops captivating. At the push of a button, the butterflies can also be launched into a 10-second dance.

—March 2016