Dangerous creatures always have a mysterious allure. This time, we will introduce five amazing watches that exude this allure from the "DESIGN ISSUE 2019" published in the US by WatchTime.
Text by Maria-Bettina Eich
(Published on January 22, 2020)
Bvlgari "Serpenti Spiga"
A sensual snake slithers around the wrist. The Bvlgari Serpenti is crafted from special materials to tell the time. Its supple curves wrap around the wrist like a real snake, its rounded triangular tip serving as both the reptile's head and the watch case.
Bulgari introduced the first Serpenti in the 1940s, and the dangerous creature has fascinated many watch designers.
The Serpenti Spiga combines black ceramic, 18K pink gold, and diamonds.
Cartier "Revelation d'une Panthère Watch"
The panthère is an important icon symbolizing Cartier. Since 1914, the Paris-based watch and jewelry house has repeatedly featured the predatory animal, the leopard, as a motif.
A wild leopard made from precious metal could threaten the bank account of anyone who would purchase one. And if the leopard's elegance didn't match its fierce aura as a predator, the Panthère wouldn't be such a thrilling watch. The hourglass-like structure of the dial of the Révélations d'une Panthère watch artistically unleashes its allure. When the dial is moved, tiny gold beads shift, revealing the Panthère's face slowly before disappearing again like an illusion.
The case is made of 18K pink gold and set with diamonds, and houses the manual-winding caliber 430MC.
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Lion
The lion is the feline animal that has inspired the imagination of Jaquet Droz designers. The Petite Heure Minute Lion features a lion's face miniature painted on an enamel dial. The painter's delicate technique allows the lion to leap out at any moment, even within the limited space of the dial.
Jaquet Droz celebrates the talent of the artisans who have created each of these 28 limited-edition pieces as unique specimens.
Artya "Wolf Tourbillon 1/1"
The Artya Wolf Tourbillon 1/1 features an aggressive wolf engraved on its dial. The gothic engraving on the dial and bezel was created by Belgian engraver Bram Ramon. The dial features intricately engraved floral decorations and a wolf's head. The design, which combines a medieval atmosphere with a motorbike rider style, is a combination of rock 'n' roll, mythology, and meticulous craftsmanship that is so characteristic of Artya. The flying tourbillon further emphasizes this. The wild wolf makes this Swiss watch an expressive piece of jewelry for tough men.
Lepe "Arachnophobia"
Geneva-based Maximilien Büsser, working with clockmaker L'Épée 1839, has transformed this terrifying and fascinating animal into a timepiece. Arachnophobia, a spider-like creature, is designed as a table or wall clock, as it is too large to be worn as a wristwatch. The eight-legged metal clockwork creature houses a large clock within its body. Inspired by the nearly 9-meter-tall sculpture "Maman" by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010), Arachnophobia exudes both protectiveness and menace. Arachnophobia embodies the fine line between the macabre and the elegant.
The Arachnophobia is crafted from black aluminum and features a key-wound movement with a power reserve of approximately 8 days.
