BRAND: Van Cleef & Arpels
MODEL: Delirium
CASE MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold
Case MEASURES: 24 x 28 mm
MOVEMENT: Quartz
FUNCTIONS: Time
CONDITION: Fine
A compelling and wonderfully unusual watch from Van Cleef & Arpels from the 1990s, crafted in 18k yellow gold and designed as much as a piece of jewellery as a timepiece. Its architectural case is formed around a square central dial with broad diamond-set sections above and below, each articulated to move independently and gently conform to the wrist.
The construction becomes especially interesting from the side. Rather than sitting completely flat, the upper and lower sections are sculpted with angular, faceted surfaces, with diamonds continuing across the top, outer edges and even into areas that only peek through as the case articulates. The result is a watch that catches the light from nearly every angle and takes on a different shape as it moves on the wrist.
At its center is a gentle white dial framed in yellow gold, with applied gold baton markers at the quarters, fine printed markers for the remaining hours and matching gold hands. Even the inner square surrounding the dial carries rows of diamonds along its upper and lower edges, a subtle detail partially concealed beneath the larger articulated sections.
Powered by a quartz movement for ease of maintenance, it is fitted with a Van Cleef & Arpels black silk strap and an especially elaborate VCA 18k yellow gold tang buckle. The buckle follows the same geometric language as the case, with a broad U-shaped form extensively set with diamonds across its face and sides. A new custom-made alligator strap has also been ordered for the piece.
Jewellery as much as a watch, its charm is not simply in the abundance of diamonds, but in the way Van Cleef & Arpels incorporated them into the architecture of the piece—even setting surfaces that are only revealed through movement. Sculptural, articulated and beautifully considered from every angle.
9 mm thick case.
Minimal wear shown.
138xxx 145xxx
Quartz movement.
Sapphire crystal.
VCA black silk strap, 75% condition. Fits 6 1/4 inch wrist.
VCA 18k diamond tang buckle.
15 mm lug width.
Modelled on 6 inch wrist.
ID 820020876562
