Van Cleef & Arpels Automaton: SIHH 2017 Innovation

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Van Cleef & Arpels Automaton tells a deeply evocative story, beginning with the fairy's awakening and discovery of a new world, culminating in her direct gaze at the viewer, her 'creator'.
• Automatons like the Van Cleef & Arpels piece represent the pinnacle of a company's capabilities, showcasing immense artistic and technical 'muscle' that often goes overlooked compared to mainstream watches.
• These automatons are not only incredible feats of craftsmanship but also integrate timekeeping functions, making them both artistic objects and functional clocks.
• The creation of such a complex automaton is likened to producing a 'Space Opera' film, requiring a symphony of diverse talents—writers, actors, artists, and administrators—all orchestrated by the brand.
• The artwork and craftsmanship of these automatons are clearly incredible, though their availability and pricing often suggest they are either special orders or quickly acquired by discerning collectors.
• The lack of publicly released pricing for such high-end automatons, especially if already sold, might be due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or the exclusive nature of the transaction.