Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Papillon Automate

Out of the house of Van Cleef & Arpels is another stunning work of art that one can forget also tells the time. The dial is full of soft shades of blues, greens and mauves, and is reminiscent of a scene from Monet's garden. Resting on top of the dial set with round and pear-cut diamonds, blue and mauve sapphires, champlevé and paillonné enamel, and a mother-of-pearl, plique-à-jour, is a blue enameled butterfly. Not a static butterfly by any means, this butterfly beats it wings during each hour, more frequently so when worn. Since Van Cleef & Arpels know how the owner of the watch will love the movement of the butterfly, the wings can also be activated on command by pushing the button on the side of the case, and they will then beat five times consecutively. 

The diamond set white gold case measures 38 mm and the crown is set with an additional diamond. The watch has a blue alligator strap and a diamond set white gold pin buckle.

Pre Basel 2017 - Harry Winston Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom

You just can't help getting excited about what's new from Harry Winston, and I already see that a little something has caught my eye. With spring looming in just a few weeks, Harry Winston has released the Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom.

Set in an 18K white gold case, the soft blue-green dial is crafted from mother-of-pearl with a delicate cherry blossom design set with 29 brilliant-cut pink sapphires and 39 brilliant-cut diamonds on white gold branches. An additional 39 brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the case. The movement is quartz, which does nothing to detract from the beauty of the design, and the whole effect is completed with a green-blue alligator leather strap.

Ressence Releases the Type 1 Squared for SIHH 2017

I was first introduced to the unusual Ressence by Elizabeth Doerr who whisked me over to their booth at Baselworld, to show me the incredible new timepiece debut. I stared at it, trying to fully understand how it worked, but after a quick explanation, it made complete sense. The brand, founded by Benoit Mintiens, has since been developing more interesting and unique pieces which still hold fascination for watch collectors. The newest addition, a dress watch, slimmer and smaller than the other pieces, is housed in a 41mm polished steel cushion shaped case, another first for the brand.

Hours, seconds and the day are displayed on rotating discs on the dial, with the minutes are displayed along the outside edge, so the watch is constantly in motion. Another thing you might notice is that there is no crown. How do you wind the watch or change the time you might ask? Turn the watch over and there is an ingenious system that includes a retractable lever on the case back. 

The watch comes in four different dial colors, blue, ruthenium, silver and champagne, and with easily changeable straps, so there are color options for both men and women.

Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh

It's all in the details. When you are incorporating a Hindu deity on the dial of your watch, you need to make sure the details are respectful, and this watch from Blancpain certainly does that. The black patina of the dial is displayed using a shakudō technique, which originates from Japan, along with fine engraving and damascening, which incorporates inlaying different metals into one another - typically gold or silver, into a darkly oxidized steel background - to produce intricate patterns. This piece definitely reflects the artistry of the watchmakers and is a beautiful way to honor the revered God Lord Ganesha.