A moving homage to Linnaeus’ “flower clock”

A new addition to its Poetic Complications Collection, the Lady Arpels Heures Florales Cerisier (cherry tree) is a miniature sculpture garden that recalls the golden age of automata, when complex, miniature machines captured the imagination by imitating flora and fauna both great and small.

Drawing on the know-how of the world of horology, these intricate, animated objects were finely geared “toys” for the wealthy and are now sought-after for the highly skilled craftsmanship of their movements and fine embellishment.The inspiration for this piece comes from Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician Carl Linnaeus’ Horologium florae, or “flower clock”, presented in 1751.

Recognised as “the father of modern taxonomy” and one of the founders of modern ecology, Linnaeus’s theory used garden design to indicate time through plants that opened or closed at different times of the day. Linnaeus formalised binomial nomenclature, and the abbreviation “L.”,found in botany and zoology, indicates that he was responsible for the naming of a species. This captivating novelty displays the passage of time in relief through the “blossoming” and closing of 12 pink and red corollas on its dial.

This is made possible by a self-winding mechanical movement created by Richemont-owned ValFleurier equipped with a special flower-opening module for the hours and lateral minutes, which are displayed through a window on the side of the watch case. While it does have water resistance of 30m, its handy 36-hour power reserve means there is no need to muddy this fine piece. The 38mm rose-gold case and bezel are set with an array of round diamonds, while pink sapphires and butterfly-winged pear-shaped diamonds float among the flowers against a white mother-of-pearl dial.

With a combined diamond carat weight of 5.1, this numbered edition is accompanied by two interchangeable straps, including this pink alligator version with a pin buckle also set with diamonds. Also available in a white-gold-and-blue colourway novelty. We can all do with a dose of magic right now, but this one does come in at a hefty R4.3-million. Experiencing this little wonder in person at Watches & Wonders Geneva in April this year was magically fulfilling enough for me.

vancleefarpels.com or RLG Africa on 011 317 2600.