Here, time is not hurriedly watched — it unfolds, stages itself, and invites a different kind of reading. With Van Cleef & Arpels: Enchanting Time, the House offers a free watchmaking exhibition to explore from January 16 to June 1, 2026 at the Patrimoine Gallery, nestled inside the boutique at 20 Place Vendôme in Paris. Open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., entry is free and walk-in. A perfectly timed visit.
The exhibition showcases more than 50 timepieces, created between the 1920s and the 2000s, complemented by original archives. Each piece shares a common goal: to turn the measurement of time into a captivating experience, blending mechanical precision with exquisite jewelry craftsmanship.
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The rhythm is set right from the 1927 Chinese pocket watch by Magicien, which introduces automata into the brand’s watchmaking universe. Its double retrograde movement brings the figure’s arms to life, indicating hours and minutes—a display that is both technically impressive and visually captivating.
The 1940s pocket watches usher in a more subdued rhythm. The 1949 Birds pocket watch features two inseparable parrots crafted in emerald and gold, symbolizing loyalty, surrounded by heart-shaped foliage and rubies. The dial, resting on gilded branches, appears to be suspended in time.
The exhibit then adds an air of intrigue with secret watches, such as the 1940 Fleurs model. Its golden, sapphire, and diamond bouquet lifts to reveal the time, blending artistry with mystery. Another iconic piece is the Cadenas watch, originally created in 1935 and instantly recognizable by its tilted dial. Here, it’s reimagined from 1972, combining yellow gold with wood for a striking reinterpretation.
The "skeleton" watches, including the PA49, showcase their intricately engraved gears and bridges, while the 2006 creation, made to mark the Maison's centennial, connects time with the seasons through a seasonal date indicator set against an ever-changing backdrop.
A free watchmaking exhibition, where each piece highlights the notion that time itself can be a work of art.
Dates and Opening Time
From January 16, 2026 to June 1, 2026
Location
Heritage Gallery
20 Place Vendôme
75001 Paris 1
Route planner
Prices
Free
More information
Open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fashion in Paris in November 2026: exhibitions, pop-ups, boutiques and deals not to miss
