Hands On The Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas, A Jewel Of A Timepiece

I never thought I would like to be shackled until I saw this stunning padlock piece from Place Vendôme haute jeweler and watchmaker Van Cleef & Arpels. Padlock is the English word for the French ‘cadenas’, and Cadenas® is the name of this elegant and assertive jewelry and wristwatch creation that fastens and secures itself with a padlock-style clasp. The first model, made of gold with a double snake chain bracelet and distinctive lock, was initially designed in 1935 as a jewel with a watch dial that could be viewed discreetly from the side, considered for a lady to be more elegant than openly consulting the time.

Eighty years and several evolutions later, still boldly avant-garde in both shape and concept, the 2015 Swiss-made edition of this now iconic piece brings changes to the dial, clasp and stone settings. While retaining its inclined position of the initial design, the white mother-of-pearl dial is enlarged for increased visibility with hour markers in ruthenium for easier readability. With gold hour and minute hands, the dial is surrounded by a gold bezel and 26 mm x 14.5 mm gold case, with gold crown on the back.

Two small ceramic beads have been added to the inside of the clasp to provide a more secure and resistant fastening, and the hidden, polished side of the attachment can be engraved with a personal message.

This new 2015 model comes in nine different versions. Among those shown here is the Cadenas® Sertie in yellow gold, with 233 snow set white diamonds on the upper surface of the case and on the attachment of the matte chocolate alligator strap, for a total of 1.1551 carats. Priced at 32,400 € including taxes.Also available in white gold with black strap, or with matching gold snake chain bracelet. Prices upon request.

Other versions range from the yellow gold without diamonds Cadenas with gold bracelet or alligator strap, to the white or pink gold Cadenas Pavée set with princess and round cut diamonds and pink sapphires on the case, clasp and dial, with matching snake chain bracelet. All are equipped with a Swiss quartz movement. Different colors of alligator straps may be ordered.

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Van Cleef & Arpels website. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to catch all of the new releases as they happen.