Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Pre-owned. Comes with orig. Van Cleef & Arpels box but no papers.

This is a very rare Van Cleef & Arpels alarm wristwatch named Memento, a special commission manufactured by Jaeger LeCoultre. The case has unique features never seen before on any JLC collection. The bezel on this watch has notches on the edge of the bezel to represent 12 hours of time while the centre T-bar lugs have screw ends to hold the strap with hints of Art Deco influence. The crowns are signed by VC & A and so are the buckle, case, movement & dial. There's a hand stamped 09 on top of the production numbers which means that this is the ninth timepiece of it's kind made, much like Cartier. Finally the gold medallion on the case back has a relief bearing the logo of VC & A.

This watch has seen light use with little signs of wear to the case and the strap is worn with some discolouration while the movement was overhauled in 2015 & works fine. This is a very elegant watch for collection and ready to wear. This is an instant classic & a very unique collector's item.

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in 1896 by Salomon Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef. They opened their first boutique in 1906 at 22 Place Vendome, Paris. In 1942, they moved to USA & was the first French jeweller to open boutiques in Japan & China. It has been family run untill 1999 when they were acquired by The Richemont Group. Their success attributed to a long list of clientele from Royalties, celebrities to champions of the industries around the world. They are also the pioneer of the Mystery setting for precious stones in jewellery.