When it comes to lucky symbols, the four-leaf clover is usually the first thing that springs to mind. Rare, magical, and steeped in folklore since at least the 17th century, it has long been associated with good luck. For Van Cleef & Arpels, belief in luck runs through the Maison’s DNA, and it finds its most beautiful expression in the Alhambra watches.
A belief in luck, worn on the wrist
“To be lucky, you have to believe in luck,” Jacques Arpels, nephew of Estelle Arpels, famously said. He would often pick four-leaf clovers from the garden of his home in Germigny-l’Évêque and give them to his team as tiny talismans—a quiet reminder to stay hopeful and never give up. That philosophy continues to shape the French jewellery company today. Head to the Maison’s website, and you’ll even find a charming section called Find Your Luck, leading to a random page that shares more about the brand’s history and its pieces.
Introduced in 1968, the Alhambra motif takes inspiration from the four-leaf clover and the Moorish quatrefoil, a shape found throughout classical architecture. Softly rounded and framed with delicate golden beads, it’s instantly recognisable. Translated into watchmaking, it becomes something special—time itself wrapped in a lucky charm.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ watchmaking division doesn’t just make watches. It has a long tradition of creating jewels that happen to tell the time. Alhambra watches stay true to that idea, treating each timepiece as a miniature work of jewellery. Since their debut in 1998, they have continued to evolve while keeping to the collection’s core codes. Each motif sits within a beaded gold setting, carefully crafted by skilled artisans. The prongs are rounded to echo the signature beads, then gently folded down and polished to perfection. As with the Alhambra jewellery collection, the motif is celebrated through a rich mix of precious materials, colours and cuts that mixes just right. Today, the Alhambra watch family comes in three distinct expressions, each presenting its own take on luck and elegance.
The Alhambra Watch
This is the purest expression of the icon. Featuring the clover-shaped motif framed by the Maison’s signature beaded edge, the Alhambra watch feels timeless and quietly luxurious. Precious and ornamental stones like the guilloché gold and carefully balanced proportions give it the look of a jewel first, timepiece second—for those who favour elegance over obvious technicality.
The Sweet Alhambra Watch
Delicate and refined, the Sweet Alhambra watch brings a lighter, more playful energy to the collection—echoing the spirit of the Sweet Alhambra bracelet. Alternating motifs combine ornamental stones with guilloché white gold, a first for the line, creating subtle contrasts in texture and light. Each symbol is bordered by golden beads and set against a mirror-polished rim, while diamond-set motifs add a gentle sparkle.
The Secret Pendant Alhambra Watch
For those who love a touch of mystery, the Secret Pendant Alhambra watch hides time within a piece of jewellery. At first glance, it appears to be a classic Alhambra pendant; twist it open, and a discreet watch is revealed. It’s a poetic take on timekeeping—very much in the playful spirit of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Craftsmanship behind the charm
Craftsmanship is where the Maison truly shines. From stone-cutting and polishing to gem-setting and final finishing, multiple savoir-faire come together in perfect harmony. Ornamental stones and mother-of-pearl are carefully selected, cut, and polished before being paired to create balanced compositions.
Time, luck, and a little magic
More than half a century on, the Alhambra motif remains Van Cleef & Arpels’ most enduring symbol of luck. In watch form, it gains an added layer of meaning: not just a charm to wear, but a way of measuring time through beauty and belief. In the world of Van Cleef & Arpels, luck is something you believe in, and something you wear.
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