Despite women’s undeniable influence on the brand’s collections, the parade of new Century releases begins with a men’s model. It is indeed hard to resist lingering on the Elegance Tourbillon which represents the very first time the famous Century sapphire is associated with such a complication. “This elegant model with its modern and extremely understated appearance is a response to a demand from our aficionados”, comments the CEO, Philip Klingenberg. Adorned with the sparkling reflections of the sapphire’s 48 facets, meticulously cut and polished by hand, the tourbillon appears to be suspended inside the 44 mm platinum case. This floating sensation is achieved by means of the sapphire dial and the Megalith case construction, a process serving to merge the two Century sapphires into an inseparable whole.
Despite this nod to horological complications, femininity remains the beating heart of the Century collection, which is focusing this year on ladies’ models. “Modernity, romance, luxury… Such are the keywords that best define our brand. Most of our models are designed for women; that is indeed our great strength,” points out Philip Klingenberg. The latest creations unveiled at the Ramada hotel will confirm this approach, as the famous sapphire takes on a stunning variety of guises in its bid to appeal to women.
Century flowers
What finer seductive asset could one hope for than a bouquet of flowers to win women’s hearts? The floral motif, which has been a constant feature of the brand communication as well as of a number of past creations, once again takes possession of the Leela Blossom watch in an original and subtly understated variation. “Leela used to be an extravagant model”, explains Philip Klingenberg. “This new model is more classic and its lines are softer. It’s a jewellery watch for daily wear”. Ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green… Leela Blossom is a precious and timeless flower graced with Century sapphire petals hosting the steady sweep of the hours and minutes hands. The flower theme also appear in the Couture collection that welcomes a new model featuring a lacework floral pattern on the dial as well as the bracelet. Fashioned according to the historical Milanese mesh technique inherited from the goldsmiths of the Italian Renaissance, the exceptionally soft and flowing bracelet is adorned with exquisitely refined motifs.
For contemporary princesses and modern-day divas, the Prima Donna line explores a new design. “It’s an extremely small, very precious, fine and exclusive model”, adds Philip Klingenberg. The watch is clearly inspired by a piece of jewellery.” Joining the Precious Elegance collection dedicated to exceptional creations, Prima Donna pays tribute to the marquise cut of which the slender silhouette is said to have been invented at the Court of Versailles. The story goes that Louis XV had a precious stone cut to resemble the lips of his beloved Marquise de Pompadour. This jewellery myth is reborn in the 52 facets of the Century sapphire, all cut and polished by hand. An open invitation to immerse oneself in the aristocratic and romantic aura of the European royal courts.
