116 Gerald Genta A charming and highly attractive, Pierre Arpels Skeleton, automatic wristwatch in white gold, with diamond-set case and rubies rehaut, with Van Cleef & Arpels box.
Estimate: Fr. 10'000 – 20'000
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- Model Pierre Arpels Skeleton
- Year Circa 1980s
- Reference G.1513
- Case Material 18K white gold and diamonds
- Case Number 6'842
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Automatic, jewelled
- Movement Number 6'251
- Dimension 37mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Accessories Accompanied by Van Cleef & Arpels fitted presentation box.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Skeleton perfectly captures a moment in the 1980s when creativity in watchmaking moved beyond convention, blending high jewelry with mechanical expression. Conceived within the refined world of Van Cleef & Arpels and brought to life through the unmistakable vision of Gerald Genta, this piece stands apart for its dual identity. At first glance, it is an elegant dress watch; on closer inspection, it reveals a fully skeletonized movement, transformed into an intricate composition of bridges and wheels arranged almost like a piece of jewelry in motion. The white gold case frames the movement with discretion, while the diamond-set bezel and the subtle presence of rubies and diamonds around the dial add depth without overwhelming the design. The transparency of the dial allows the mechanics to become the decoration itself, an approach that reflects both technical confidence and aesthetic restraint. Particularly appealing is the continuity of the design, extending to the diamond-set clasp, which reinforces the watch’s jewelry-like character. The use of contrasting materials, precious stones, polished gold, and the dark strap, creates a refined balance between brilliance and structure. Preserved in very attractive condition, this automatic Pierre Arpels Skeleton represents a niche yet fascinating chapter of late 20th-century watchmaking, where maisons like Van Cleef & Arpels and Gerald Genta explored mechanical artistry through a distinctly decorative lens. It remains a compelling example of how craftsmanship and design can coexist in a piece that is both expressive and wearable.
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LUGANO
Villa Principe Leopoldo, Via Montalbano 5
3 June - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
GENEVA
Beau-Rivage, Quai du Mont-Blanc 13
9 May - From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
10 May - From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM