French luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels has launched the world premiere of its new high watchmaking exhibition — Poetry of Time: Behind the Scenes of Watchmaking Creation — in Shanghai.

Running from July 1 to Aug 11 at the West Bund Dome Art Center, the exhibition is open to the public with free admission.

At the heart of the event, four watchmaking workbenches showcase the intricate craftsmanship behind Van Cleef & Arpels' horological creations, offering visitors a close-up look at the artistry involved.

A special "cabinet of curiosities" presents rare archival materials and museum treasures from the brand's history.

Visitors can also explore themed galleries celebrating the brand's signature sources of inspiration — ballerinas and fairies, Poetic Astronomy, love stories and Enchanted Nature.

Each timepiece tells a unique story, reflecting Van Cleef & Arpels' vision of time as a poetic journey.

For the first time, the Planetarium automaton, a mechanical marvel that features gemstone planets orbiting the sun in a miniature celestial ballet, is on display in China.

Also making its regional debut is the Perlee Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantes collection, with its vivid designs evoking the lush, colorful fruits of summer.

As part of the 19th Festival Croisements — an annual event of Sino-French cultural exchange — the exhibition aims to further strengthen artistic and cultural ties between the two nations through craftsmanship and creativity.

If you go

When: Now to Aug 11

Where: West Bund Dome Art Center, No 2300 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

Reservation: Via WeChat mini program (search "梵克雅宝时间的诗篇")

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center