Centurion IDC Autumn 2020

Style & Beauty

Style & Beauty Centrepieces Watching Time Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 568 by Marc Newson in Baccarat crystal, jaeger-lecoultre.com Tabletop clocks are making a surprise return to the sitting room, boasting both state-of-the-art tech and high-concept aesthetics. By Avril Groom T ime has different speeds in this strange year, slowing to a contemplative pace for those usually in perpetual motion, and running stressfully fast for professionals in essential fields. Perhaps this is one reason why watching time pass on an exquisitely designed and crafted table clock fascinates even more now. Precious timepieces, frequently unique, have long been a staple of both jewellery and watch houses, and vintage examples are increasingly sought after at auction and from the clockmakers themselves, which often buy, restore and resell them. Meanwhile, special clocks, displaying great horological and jewellery skills, form new collection highlights. These contemporary clocks vary from traditional, ornate designs recalling 18th-century automata to highly innovative pieces created in collaboration with industrial designers and scientists. Interest was growing PHOTO PHILIPPE JONER 30 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM

Urwerk AMC base unit, urwerk.com PHOTOS FROM TOP: RALF BAUMGARTEN, © HARRY WINSTON, © CHANEL before the pandemic, but life at home has begun to spark inspiration among collectors. Cartier is famous for its clock designs, from the feminine Belle Epoque guirlande style, with diamonds and delicately engraved translucent enamel influenced by the colours and crafts of Fabergé, to astonishing mystery clocks where the movement is hidden in the frame or stem and time moves on invisible crystal discs, as well as geometric Art Deco designs carved from precious hardstones and gems. “Creating clocks was the deliberate decision of Louis Cartier,” says Pierre Rainero, the French brand’s director of image, style and heritage. “He saw an opportunity to express his vision of what Cartier style should be: a combination of unique craftsmanship, perfect balance in terms of volumes and daring associations of materials and colours.” Bonhams London’s sale of a private collection of 22 Cartier clocks late last year created unprecedented interest, and the top seller was a 1919 Model A mystery clock which made over £600,000. “That’s a collector’s piece,” says jewellery director Emily Barber, “but the guirlande and Art Deco clocks have such broad appeal and are also technically brilliant and ahead of their time, capturing the period and appealing to anyone who loves Art Deco jewellery.” Also reselling historic clocks is Van Cleef & Arpels, though the Paris-based brand occasionally makes extraordinary new pieces as well, most recently the Fée Ondine, which is an automaton but underneath the jewelled fairy opening her wings on her enamelled lily › Harry Winston Precious Signature, harrywinston.com Chanel Coco Clock’s diamond display back, chanel.com CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 31