Audemars Piguet, Van Cleef
& Arpels and Henri Picq
The Masterpiece
The present watch represents a masterpiece in collaboration
with three world renowned firms combining their skills,
techniques and superior level of craftsmanship. Audemars
Piguet, Van Cleef & Arpels and Henri Picq produced
this exceptional diamond-set pendant watch, which
combines horology, spectacular gem-setting and seamless
construction into one.
Founded in 1875 by watchmakers Jules-Louis Audemars and
Edward-Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet is one of the oldest
watch manufacturers and still owned by the original family.
Van Cleef & Arpels was founded by Estelle Arpels and Alfred
Van Cleef and in 1906, they opened their famous boutique at
22 Place Vendome, directly opposite to the Hotel Ritz in Paris.
The years that followed, the pair successfully made Van Cleef &
Arpels associated with the most exquisite jewelry in the world.
While the name Henri Picq may seem foreign to many, Picq's
jewellery workshop in Marais was one of the most important
ateliers during the early 20th century. Starting from 1900
throughout the 1920s, Henri Picq & Fils created some of the
most exquisite gem-set platinum jewellery, most notably for
their biggest clients- Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. The
jeweler was especially well known for creating 'Tutti-Frutti'
jewels, his workmanship is next to none. The Picq workshop
was also well known for the special process they applied to
platinum, which added an additional look and style. Their
ability to set diamonds into stone mountings and delicate
designs were extremely well regarded. Henri Picq created
a Cartier 'Tutti-Frutti' bracelet which was displayed and
highlighted at the 1925 Paris Exposition Universelle.
HK_WATCHES_MAY16_390-495.indd 405
Comprised of French, baguette circular and rectangular-cut
diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5 carats, this
pendant watch was created by Picq & Fils for Van Cleef and
Arpels. Produced in 1924, this watch was manufactured
at the peak of Henri Picq's career. Picq most notably
produced platinum-set Tutti Frutti masterpieces for Cartier
among other jewelers. At auction in May in 2014, a brooch
manufactured by Picq and retailed by Cartier sold at auction
for a staggering 17.8 million USD.
The present pendant watch has been crafted with the
highest quality, shimmering in a way that only vintage
platinum-set jewellery can. A beautiful and delicate single
button pearl acts at the crown, which truly finishes off the
look of this masterpiece.
The movement of this watch is furthermore manufactured
by Audemars Piguet, who created the very best movements
at the time for their most esteemed clients.
This masterpiece represents a true ingenious collaboration
by three of the most respected names in the field of horology,
jewelry and design. The present pendant is exceptionally
executed and can be considered a masterpiece.
22/04/16 16:42