Butterfly Wing Marquetry Innovation

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Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, introduces the exquisite art of butterfly wing marquetry, a rare handcraft pioneered by Dominique Arpa-Cirpka. His post highlights Arpa-Cirpka's intricate work, particularly focusing on the unique Philippe Dufour Simplicity 'Butterfly' dial, which was created for a charitable auction. Emmanuel's detailed presentation underscores the technical and artistic mastery involved in transforming delicate butterfly wing fragments into horological masterpieces.

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Dominique Arpa-Cirpka, an artist based in Collonge-Bellerive near Geneva, pioneered the use of butterfly wing marquetry in 2009 and has since created dials featuring actual butterfly wing fragments that are pieced together for ArtyA, the brand founded by her husband, Yvan Arpa.

More recently, she crafted the dial of the Philippe Dufour Simplicity sold to the benefit of the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, along with 11 other timepieces, at Phillips during "The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI". It was lot 129 .

Butterfly wings consist of two thin layers of chitinous membrane, reinforced by a network of longitudinal and cross-veins. The green iridescent areas are scales that remain attached to fragments of the original membrane. It is these scales, aligned in microscopic layers, that cause the surface to shimmer and shift in colour depending on the viewing angle, a phenomenon known as structural coloration. Following this, gold leaf and natural pigments are added to fill voids and enhance the composition.

Best, Emmanuel

A/ Philippe Dufour Simplicity "Butterfly"

Case: 37 mm in rose gold

credit: @watchesbylogan (1-2), revolution (3-11) & phillips (12-14)

B/ ArtyA models with butterfly wing marquetry crafted by Dominique Arpa-Cirpka

1/ Precious Butterfly 1

2/ Precious Butterfly 2

18k gold case, caliber ArtyA A01 COSC

3/ Precious Butterfly 3

4/ Precious Butterfly IV

5/ Delicacy Tourbillon

6/ Dark Butterfly

7/ Farfalla 619

C/ Dominique Arpa-Cirpka

credit: ArtyA

Farfalla 619

Key Points from the Discussion

The final hammer price for the Philippe Dufour Simplicity 'Butterfly' was considered quite reasonable, even a 'bargain price,' given the unique artistry and the extensive work involved in crafting the dial.
The author, Emmanuel, expressed his prior unawareness of Dominique Arpa-Cirpka and this specific rare handcraft before the auction, highlighting the discovery as a significant and welcome revelation.
Despite initial reservations about the dial's aesthetic, understanding the intricate craftsmanship and the use of actual butterfly wing fragments, gold leaf, and natural pigments transformed the perception of its value.

The Discussion

sham1

May 15, 2025

Thank you for posting this!

Initially I thought the dial was unattractive but after having read the work that has gone into it, I think this watch has sold at a relatively bargain price.

quattro

May 15, 2025

I wasn't aware of this rare handcraft

before this Dufour watch was reviewed before the auction. But I find it quite remarkable and I find Dominique Arpa-Cirpka to a talented artist. Thanks for looking. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

May 15, 2025

Amazing artistry 🙌🏻👏🏻👌🏻

quattro

May 15, 2025

Yes, Dominique Arpa-Cirpka is really a talented artist.

I wasn't aware of her nor of this rare handcraft before this auction, but I'm glad of the discovery. Best, Emmanuel

amanico

May 15, 2025

Hmmmm, this movement!!!

quattro

May 15, 2025

Nice, isn't it!

I personally like the dial too. Best, Emmanuel

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