Inside the making of Dior’s Grand Bal de Printemps timepiece

By Joshua Hendren

The world of Haute Horlogerie is one of unparalleled engineering and tradition. Countless hours spent by artisans assembling and sequencing each component have elevated the watch into a sophisticated status symbol denoting the wealth and taste levels of the wearer.

Nothing exemplifies such qualities more than Dior’s Grand Bal de Printemps timepiece. A dreamlike show in precious metals, diamonds and rare gemstones, the watch is the result of extraordinary savoir-faire that looks to the world of high jewellery for its design.

Inspired by the sketches of Monsieur Dior’s most glamorous haute couture creations, the one-of-a-kind timepiece replicates the twirl of a ball gown in a wheel of pastel shades through an oscillating weight placed on top of the dial. The case, however, is where the watch shines brightest, with a snow setting of diamonds that sparkles like sunlight bouncing off ice crystals.

As for the back of the piece, it comes engraved with an exclusive sketch by Christian Dior – a final flourish from one of the house’s most impressive high timepieces.

Discover more about the savoir-faire behind Dior’s Grand Bal de Printemps watch in the video below:

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