It is quite rare to look upon and admire a timepiece that so strongly evokes the work of a gifted and well-renowned artist, and one that brings to mind a specific artwork or body of work. Rows of closely-packed flowers, merging into large swathes of alternating, vibrating soft and strong opaque colour, creates a quasi-Surrealist motif that can be interpreted in many different ways. If you were to look a little closer and attentively study this fine detail, you may just get a hint of a certain French-born innovative Impressionist.
It is unclear if Claude Monet provided any kind of inspiration for DeLaneau’s Rondo Tulip Field – which hails from the impressive Origin Collection, celebrating nature and light – but what is clear is that the piece certainly has insinuated itself solidly within the Fine Art category. The watch needs nothing further on its dial, other than its hour and minute hands, to embellish or enhance it; it simply announces itself, so confident it is in its painstakingly-applied mini-masterpiece. It is reminiscent of Monet’s poppy fields, or garden of irises, in that the shapes of the blooms are suggested, rather than intricately painted; Monet achieved this with many of his paintings, being a talented and skilled colourist able to bring forms to life with the clever use of colour.
DeLaneau – an independent watch manufacturer founded in Biel, Switzerland, bestowed with the title ‘Jeweller of Watches’ – is no stranger to producing exquisite pieces that are nothing like those seen elsewhere, and the use of colour here is second-to-none. The spectrum of greens compliment the pink hues and help the artwork to advance from the dial, and the clusters of tiny blooms sparkle and shine just like the simply elegant ring of diamonds encircling them in the white gold case. The choice of a pure white, alligator leather strap is informed, being careful not to detract from or impose upon the delicate detailing.
Creating the detail itself is no mean feat; the Grand Feu enamel technique is employed here, combining the expert engraving and enamelling craftsmanship that the company – not to mention the grandiose city of Geneva where its enamelling atelier is situated – is notable for. The skill of the enamellist is unquestionable, as the colours that we see on the final piece are not apparent until firing is complete; this suggests sound judgement on the artisan’s part, and makes a creation like this all the more astounding.
For DeLaneau, the standard has been firmly set for creating extraordinary jewellery timepieces – for private clients and elite collectors alike – that surpass the boundaries previously established in the art of enamelling. The company looks set to continue offering such beautiful pieces, striving to build on and better their knowledge of this fascinating technique. This piece is no exception, lacking any pompous airs and graces and possessing a truly captivating façade created by devoted and dedicated craftspeople.
