Haute Time Ladies Watch of the Week: Van Cleef & Arpels Astronomique Poetique Midnight Constellation

Van Cleef & Arpels was inspired by constellations in the night sky for this year’s Extraordinary Dials Midnight Constellations collection, crafting a series of ladies’ timepieces that depict some of the most well known starry compositions. This one, the Phoenix, is a dazzling work of art that includes champlevé and vallonné enamel in fiery tones ranging from yellow to orangey-red, highlighted by diamond stars. The crown is set with a carnelian, and the bezel and lugs are set with round diamonds. The watch will be produced in a limited edition of 22 pieces.

The legend of the Phoenix in mythology refers to a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn, with a new one always rising from the ashes of its predecessor. It symbolizes renewal.