Watches Wednesday: Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Secret Watch
Van Cleef & Arpels brings back the emblematic Ludo Bracelet first introduced in the 1935 and named after Louis Arpels (whom his friends referred to as “Ludo”), by incorporating this emblematic design back into the Ludo Secret Watches.
The result? A new sturdy flexible mesh bracelet with its signature hexagonal links, reminiscent of the original. To go with these High Jewellery watches, the bracelets on these timepieces are also accented with a jewel-encrusted motif in place of the buckle, and precious stones such as rubies or sapphires in a star setting on each hexagonal link.
And, at the centre of the bracelet, you’d find the watch’s dial in white mother-of-pearl with a diamond halo, concealed by a rotating cabochon, and surrounded by other precious stones in a symmetrical rose motif. Don’t you just love secret watches – because we do, because they’re stunning high jewellery pieces in themselves! S0 versatile, don’t you think?
Our personal favourite is this one right here, in 18 karat yellow gold with diamonds, blue sapphires, emeralds, and a chrysoprase cabochon because the gems give a cooler tone to the entire design, making it a perfect balance between warm and cool tones.
Oh, and here’s another surprise for you … in true Van Cleef tradition of transformable pieces, the rose on the dial can be detached from the bracelet, and threaded onto a long chain to be worn as a pendant or a brooch OR, the dial can also be replaced on the bracelet by a hexagonal mesh buckle set with precious stones, for an entirely new piece of jewellery.
If you’re not a fan of this piece, the Maison there are other Ludo Secret Watches in 2 different styles, but this one right here is our personal favourite.
Images courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels