Following a tribute to the satin ribbon with the D de Dior Satine collection and the runway-inspired timepieces of the Saisonnière line, Dior turned to the couture codes of the Maison with four separate watch collections known as Dior VIII Grand Bal and Montaigne, all of which twirl to the swing and sparkle of jeweled and feathered ball gowns. “All the Grand Bal timepieces are inspired by the evening gown. They pay tribute to the swirling ball gowns that have been timeless classics in the collections of Monsieur Dior,” explained the Maison Dior.
Opening the ball was the demure Dior VIII Montaigne Ligne Corolle timepiece, a look back on the first collection designed by Christian Dior that featured the “Bar” suit with its sloping shoulder-line, narrow waist and spreading skirts. One of its most iconic, the Maison Dior refers to the model as “La Ligne Corolle.” In a 32 mm stainless steel case, the Ligne Corolle features a dial in blue lacquering that peeks through the overlaid pink opaline openwork plate, accessorized with a contrasting blue alligator strap. Refined and curvaceous like the Bar suit, the Ligne Corolle timepiece is softly feminine, rounded and timeless.
The ball gets into full swing with the Dior VIII Grand Bal models whose swaying motion is accentuated by the decorated oscillating mass placed dial-side, featuring the exclusive “Dior Inversé Calibre 11 ½” automatic movement.
Among them, the Dior VIII Grand Bal Plissé Ruban takes its inspiration from pleated petticoats interlaced with silky white ribbon. Color and pleated fabric take a swirl on the dial-side positioned oscillating mass. Plissé Ruban comes in two versions both in steel, each featuring gold detail with diamonds and mother of pearl, with a silvered opaline dial embossed with a colored, pleated pattern. The intense blue version is embellished with yellow gold, and the delicate pink version with rose gold. The Plissé Ruban is housed in a 36 mm case and limited to 188 pieces.
Competing for title of “grande dame” of the ball are the Dior VIII Grand Bal Coquettes that, this year, have joined the new Grand Bal Cancan models, all vying for that quintessentially French cabaret spirit with their parade of enchanting feathers and sparkling marquetry of precious stones. “The feathers cover the oscillating mass leaving the base of the dial visible. These timepieces combine the know-how of our feather-makers with the technical prowess of Dior watchmaking,” boasted the Maison Dior. Grand Bal Cancan comes in two models, each limited to 88 pieces. In shades of blue, yellow, red, charcoal grey or white, the feathers are interlaced with marquetry on the dial and the oscillating mass, placed dial-side, is braided with gold and diamonds. The Grand Bal Cancan is equipped with the exclusive “Dior inversé 11 ½” caliber.
The Grand Bal Coquette is also designed in two versions, each dressed in colorful feather pleats underlined with diamonds, sapphires, pink sapphires and tsavorite garnets. One version is embellished with a luminescent blue dial and a powder pink alligator strap, the other with an iridescent peach colored dial and an alligator strap in dark blue. Equipped with an automatic movement, the exclusive “Dior inversé 8 ¼” calibre, the Coquettes come in a 36 mm case and are also limited to 88 pieces.
Last but not least, the Grand Bal Piece Unique Ondine makes a debutante’s entry in an eruption of fire and ice colors. Ondine, which conjures up a water goddess, also pays tribute to an eponymous 1947 Christian Dior couture dress known for its countless pleats. In homage to both, the Grand Bal Ondine captures both the undulating shapes of water and the weaves of soft fabric inside its dial. “The liquid effect is seen in the undulating gold of the dial and in the gradient of colors that gives an impression of movement,” explained the Maison Dior. The face of the watch is a vision of pleats in motion given the movement of the oscillating mass placed on the dial, with the “Dior Inversé 11½” caliber in back.
The ultra-feminine Ondine timepieces are set with hundreds of diamonds, tsavorites, amethysts and sapphires on white, rose or yellow gold. In the pink version, the Ondine no. 3 is a delightful combination of pink and white gold, amethysts, yellow sapphires, tsavorite garnets and diamonds. The diamond-embellished dials, either baguette-set or snow-set in a woven pattern, are complemented by straps that reflect the color of the cases. Grand Bal Ondine was a newcomer this year limited to 12 one-of-a-kind pieces, each shown with a patent leather and a black satin bracelet, adding sophistication to the bright, joyful colors of the watch.
“We always add a sense of fun to the Dior collections,” concluded the Maison Dior. At Dior, life is a ball.
