From Van Gogh’s post-impressionism to Wassily Kandinsky’s abstract, we take a closer look at special designs where the worlds of art and watchmaking merge.
In the world of watchmaking, more and more watch companies are undertaking significant design changes to entice new customers. To some extent, the idea of an object with the single function of timing will no longer satisfy or fascinate even the most ardent watch enthusiast.
A watch, therefore, has to be unique in every respect. On this note, art is one way to achieve expressive and unique looks. While some of the world’s most prestigious brands work with sculptors and enamel painters to bring métiers d’arts to watch dial, others collaborate with real-life artists to produce meaningful dial designs.
In essence, art has no limits, but it is art that can transcend boundaries. Here are some of our favorites from the collaborations that beautifully showcase the best of both worlds.
Swatch x Museum of Modern Art
As part of Swatch’s Museum Journey series, the Swiss- made watch brand is proud to collaborate with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to create six unique creations inspired by artworks in MoMA’s collection. The assortment includes “The Starry Night” (1889) by Vincent van Gogh, “Hope, II” (1907–08) by Gustav Klimt, “The Dream” (1910) by Henri Rousseau, “Composition in Oval with Color Planes 1” (1914) by Piet Mondrian, “The City and Design, The Wonders of Life on Earth, Isamu Kurita” (1966) by Tadanori Yokoo and “New York” (1968) by Tadanori Yokoo. To top it off, Swatch and MoMA also developed a special box for the collector’s edition, inspired by the Blade Stair, a prominent architectural feature of the Museum.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Hidden Treasures
Recently, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso Tribute Enamel Hidden Treasures, a trio of watches that celebrate the works of three great masters: Gustave Courbet, Vincent Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt. The three paintings reproduced on the Reverso Tribute Enamel Hidden Treasures triptych— from Gustave Courbet’s “View of Lake Léman” (1876), Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunset at Montmajour” (1888) and Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of a Lady” (1917)—also represent three watershed moments in Western artistic tradition, from the 19th century Realism of Courbet and Van Gogh’s Post-Impressionism to the expressive and experimental spirit of Klimt and the Viennese Secession.
Alexander Shorokhoff Kandy Avantgarde 2
Dedicated to Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky—who bears the affectionate nickname “Kandy”— Alexander Shorokhoff’s Kandy Avantgarde 2 is a bold, avant- garde and modern watch that not only creates emotions, but also puts the motto “Art on the Wrist” into practice in a great way. The intense contrast enhances the colors of the dial, while the interplay of its colors brings the watch and your wrist to life.
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