What are the origins and the legend which surround lovers and Valentine’s Day through the last centuries ?

The Valentine’s Day as we know it today draws its origins almost 2000 years behind. A named priest Valentin would have married in secret young couples despite the ban by Emperor Claudius II whom noticed that soldiers would no longer commit to their military duties by not willing to leave their family ties. Furious at this decision, the priest Valentin would have defied the ban and would have been punished for it, he died as a defender of love and marriage. In 1496 the festivities of Valentine’s Day allowed young couples to play games while finding a partner for the evening or even for life! Inspired by nature as well, it turns out that the mating season to birds would begin half way through February while wintry cold begins to withdraw …

By going back to watch beginnings in the 16th century, what would be the ideal choice of a watch for lovers on Valentine’s Day ?

This enameled watch signed by David De La Fontaine dating back to 1660 is a true symbol of love, depicting front and back portraits of the bridegroom and his wife. Richly decorated by floral motifs, portraits on this timepiece are magnificently detailed, it was most probably a testimony of their marriage and love for each other. Sold by Sotheby’s in May 2009.


How watches with mythological scenes are also an important testimony of Valentine’s Day symbolic ?

Venus and Adonis are mythological figures of the loving couple. This enameled watch shows both Gods intertwined, the impact of this mythological scene proving that it had an influence on beliefs and love. Doubtless this timepiece would have been the perfect gift on Valentine’s Day. Sold by Christie’s in November 2006.




If we had to go back in time and choose a historical timepiece in the last century as a symbol of Valentine’s Day ?

Cartier recreates through this “egg” watch the symbol of love. Offered by the Duke to the Duchess of Windsor, it integrates a compass and sundial with the engraved inscriptions “no excuse for going in the wrong direction”. A few words that says length about the love story between the famous couple of the last century, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, love for which he gave up the throne of England. A present received by the Duchess during Easter 1939, a little time after the couple took up residence in Paris. A rare timepiece with a prestigious provenance sold at Sotheby’s in November 2010.

If we were to choose the jewelry watch of a feminine personality during the 20th century, which one would it be and why ?

At the beginning of the 60’s, Piaget had the idea to develop a jewel that would also give time, to conquer a feminine audience. Becoming best sellers, these models that would not bear any code name, would immediately catch the eye of the First Lady, being spotted in 1967 at a shop in California. Renamed “traditional oval” in the 1990’s, this watch is recognizable due to its dial set with hard stones of different colors. The jade stone was chosen by Jackie, this elegant watch is considered today as the emblem of the golden age for Piaget, thanks especially to both its extra flat movement calibers and its cases finely decorated and chiseled in many different styles. An identical Piaget model to the one of Jackie sold last year at Artcurial in July 2016.

What is the watchmaking complication which represents best the Valentine’s Day and why ?

The Grande Sonnerie mechanism is the art of complication in watchmaking and deserves to be crowned the complication of love, especially with the last complicated series of watches made by Vacheron Constantin’s workshops Les Cabinotiers, one of which is named « Vladimir», with 850 components and 17 complications. This highly complicated timepiece comprises among many different technical aspects a Grande Sonnerie that strikes once a year on the birthday date of the beloved one for which this piece is made especially. It is difficult to imagine better complication from a romantic point of view!

Which of all the brands best represented the jewelry watch during the last century ?

“Jewellers of the King, King of Jewellers” Cartier always amazed one’s eye with its vibrant creations always more luxurious. In the Art Deco period, Cartier presented a watch named Tutti Frutti fully set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies, all was hand crafted. This timepiece made in the 30’s suits perfectly one’s wrist and proves again the craftsmanship of Cartier throughout its history in jewelry watches. Sold by Christie’s in December 2006.

 

If we observe styles and periods in jewelry watches, what is the perfect combination for a gift on Valentine’s Day ?

What a better gift than to offer one’s heart for Valentine’s Day? Among all, Patek Philippe understood it better than anybody else with this creation dated 1864 in the shape of a heart with garnet on each side. Not only the case is heart shaped but the movement as well. Dating back to the 16th century, watches were a symbol of love to all beloved ones and this one perfectly illustrates Valentine’s Day. It is my favorite one in this selection, I had the privilege to sell it at Sotheby’s in May 2008.

Love is a feeling we cherish, that one needs to develop and entertain from day to day throughout the course of his life. Ader Watches with its passion for watches wishes you a great Valentine’s Day and particularly to Inès!

Geoffroy ADER