Watches And Wonders 2025: Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils A Bejewelled Update To The Cadenas Watch

Since its creation in 1935, the Cadenas watch has remained an enduring symbol of Van Cleef & Arpels’ distinctive approach to watchmaking. Designed with a sleek, padlock-inspired silhouette, this timepiece seamlessly blends jewelry and horology. The elegant clasp of a double snake chain slides smoothly around the wrist, offering a fluid, flexible fit. More than just a watch, the Cadenas is a statement piece, allowing the wearer to discreetly read the time thanks to its angled dial.

Staying true to its heritage, Van Cleef & Arpels introduces a new interpretation of this iconic model at Watches & Wonders 2025. The latest creation pairs a radiant yellow gold bracelet with a case adorned in snow-set diamonds, further elevated by a row of princess-cut sapphires. This vibrant interplay of gemstones is echoed in the clasp, which features a striking line of square-cut sapphires. Completing the luminous composition, the white gold dial is elegantly paved with brilliant-cut diamonds, reflecting the Maison’s expertise in gem-setting.

The Evolution of an Icon

The Cadenas watch has held a significant place in Van Cleef & Arpels’ history, evolving through a series of refined iterations. Originally crafted in yellow gold, the timepiece soon embraced chromatic variations, with the introduction of calibrated sapphires and rubies in 1936. Diamonds followed in 1938, while emeralds made their debut in 1943, further enriching the watch’s palette of precious stones. In response to evolving trends, the Cadenas was also reimagined in platinum with baguette-cut diamonds and later adapted with a leather bracelet for a more understated, everyday appeal.

Beyond its aesthetic evolution, the Cadenas watch reflects a profound artistic influence. By reinterpreting an ordinary object a padlock into an exquisite timepiece, Van Cleef & Arpels echoes the concept of the readymade, pioneered by Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century and embraced by the Surrealist movement of the 1930s. The design also catered to the refined etiquette of the era, where women were expected to remain unaffected by the passage of time. With its discreetly angled dial and jewel-like appearance, the Cadenas allowed wearers to subtly check the time—a feature highlighted in a 1936 advertisement that described it as a way to "peek at the time."

Decades later, the Cadenas watch continues to epitomize the fusion of fine jewelry and horology. With its latest reinterpretation, Van Cleef & Arpels reaffirms its commitment to preserving timeless elegance while embracing contemporary refinement.

At Watches & Wonders 2025, Van Cleef & Arpels once again proves that time is more than just an instrument—it is an art form. Through technical innovation, enchanting storytelling, and unparalleled craftsmanship, the Maison continues to redefine the boundaries of haute horlogerie. With each ticking second, it weaves tales of romance, passion, and Parisian elegance, ensuring that the Poetry of Time lives on.