At this year’s edition of Watches & Wonders, Van Cleef & Arpels once again demonstrated its mastery in blending expert watchmaking with distinguished High Jewelry design. While in Geneva, AzyaaMode had the privilege of interviewing Catherine Rénier, Chief Executive Officer of Van Cleef & Arpels, who offered exclusive insights into the Maison’s latest creations and its enduring vision.

Highlighting the importance of honoring heritage while embracing innovation, Rénier emphasized the Maison’s deep respect for its patrimony. She explained how Van Cleef & Arpels continuously draws inspiration from its archives to reimagine ideas in fresh, expressive ways. Innovation, she noted, is essential – not just in technique, but also in storytelling and interpretation.

One standout example is the Lady Arpels Bal des Amoureux Automate. This poetic timepiece transforms a love story into a moving scene through intricate automaton mechanics. Rénier described how the watch brings to life a couple who share a kiss at noon and midnight – or with the simple push of a button – thanks to the seamless collaboration between the Maison’s watchmakers and artists. “The fluidity of movement is breathtakingly natural,” she shared.

Turning to the iconic Cadenas watch, Rénier spoke about its continued relevance and emotional impact. “This timepiece beautifully captures the Van Cleef & Arpels identity,” she said. With a refined clasp that can now be engraved, and a gem-set case in certain models, the Cadenas continues to evolve as both a functional object and a symbol of elegance, embodying the essence of High Jewelry craftsmanship.

When asked about Van Cleef & Arpels’ overarching philosophy for watchmaking rooted in emotion and storytelling, Rénier elaborated: “Since its inception, the Maison has been attentive to the coherence of its creations, combining respect for its heritage and sources of inspiration with perpetual innovation that evokes wonder and surprise. Recent years have been marked by innovation within Van Cleef & Arpels’ watchmaking collections. Poetic Complications express stories of nature, love, and enchantment through original movements. Automaton embody the encounter between artistic engineering and High Jewelry, allowing us to tell our stories on another scale. We will remain faithful to this narrative approach – sparking emotion through technical virtuosity and the quality of our décors – while continuing to explore new creative possibilities.”

At its core, Van Cleef & Arpels uses creativity as a universal language. Themes of nature, luck and love remain central to the Maison’s identity, offering a meaningful and uplifting vision of life.

Reflecting on her role, Rénier shared her deep connection to the Maison: “For me, it’s like coming back to a museum that I have known for 15 years, grown up with, and seen blossom. It feels like a very natural return, but at the same time, I’m incredibly excited to embark on the next chapter of the Maison’s story.”

Through its visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to enchant the world – one poetic timepiece at a time.