For many, Van Cleef & Arpels will be best known for its incredible high jewellery creations and iconic Alhambra design, the Richemont Group Maison is, just quietly, one of the most interesting watchmakers working today — certainly one that has an approach and philosophy when it comes to creating watches that is radically different from their peers. At Van Cleef & Arpels, creation is in service of a story that is the genesis of each and every design.

The stories that Van Cleef & Arpels choose to tell are ones inspired by their heritage and vision of the world — a vision that is intensely poetic. From the summer breeze whispering through a field of flowers to a pair of Parisian lovers meeting on a bridge — these simple narrative moments create timepieces that are technically sophisticated, finely crafted and undeniably beautiful.

For those in Hong Kong, it’s also a world you can explore like never before in their ‘Poetry of Time’ exhibition, designed as an immersive journey through the creative universes of Van Cleef & Arpels. Not only are there archival and current creations, from the realms of fine jewellery and timepieces, as well as remarkable objects like the Planetarium and the Naissance de l’Amour automaton, but there’s also insights into the jewellery and métiers d’art techniques that create these pieces, supported by the L’École School of Jewellery Arts, an educational organisation supported by VC&A.

The ‘Poetry of Time’ is an immersive and educational glimpse into a world of wonder and diamonds, a rare opportunity to explore the history of one of the brand, outside of a boutique.  Julie Clody-Medina, President of Van Cleef & Arpels, is Asia-Pacific spoke to Revolution about the importance of this sort of outreach. “Transmission is a core value of the business, and it’s not a value just for brochures. It is embedded in everything we do, from exhibitions through, of course, the School of Jewellery Arts, which was founded in 2012 that were lucky to have here in Hong Kong since 2019, and even though the campus is based here, it’s really spreading its wings across Asia Pacific. What we aim for is really to foster engagement for jewellery at large and the watchmaking, to plant seeds, to foster curiosity and engagement, to share the patrimony of this Maison that was founded in 1906.”

Clody-Medina continues to explain how events like the Poetry of Time offer an alternative entry point into the world of Van Cleef & Arpels, and how important that is in the modern era. “It can be a lot to walk through the door of a boutique for the first time if you have no intention of becoming a client. This is where the concept of L’École was born — how do we spread the culture, through talks, through classes and exhibitions, all to the widest audience. I think younger  generations today are so well-informed and very connected. When there is a meaning and a story, they appreciate this and want to go deeper. This allows us to explore things beyond the surface, beyond a showcase in a shop window. What is the field of jewellery, or gemmology, with all the expertise and artistry. At VC&A, it is again the storytelling, that allows all of us — no matter age, gender or culture — to become familiar with the stories.”

The five chapters, including Love Stories, Poetic Astronomy, Enchanting Nature, Ballerinas & Fairies, and Jewels that Tell Time, each occupy a separate space in the exhibition and offer an insight into the Maison. Clody-Medina explains what these stories mean for Van Cleef & Arpels. “The five chapters really exemplify what we mean by the poetry of time. The love story is obvious; we have the Pont des Amoureaux and the Bal des Amoureux, either kissing or dancing. You’re almost looking towards the next chapter. I suppose it is an invitation to step into this world and just stop and appreciate this moment of grace. When it’s poetic astronomy, we have our automaton. Each watch is selected for its theme, and I think everyone can understand the stories on the dial. And of course, we have docents that can go further into the story, and explain the techniques and DNA that go into these creations.”

The Poetry of Time exhibition is being held at a custom space at Central Ferry Pier 4 in Hong Kong until the 8th of February 2026. Find out more here.