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Van Cleef & Arpels - Diamond Bezel.

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Details

Jewelry First Design Language

Van Cleef & Arpels is a name associated with high jewelry long before watchmaking, and this 1980s Classique reflects that hierarchy. It is a 31mm square execution in 18k yellow gold that prioritizes texture and material over technical bravado. The satin finished bezel creates a soft matte contrast against the twenty factory set diamonds. It is a piece that feels like it was designed in a jewelry studio rather than a factory, giving it a character that is increasingly rare to find in modern catalogs.

The Diamond Double Lug Configuration

The double lug configuration is the defining trait of this reference. The lugs are set with diamonds and create a unique visual where the strap meets the case, a detail that separates this from more common luxury dress watches. It retains its original leather strap and the signed Van Cleef buckle, which is a significant point of value for a watch from this era. The champagne dial provides a monochromatic look that allows the gold and diamonds to remain the focal point without unnecessary visual noise.

Honest Condition And Originality

This example is in very good condition and appears to be unpolished, preserving the original satin grain on the gold surfaces. The champagne dial shows some visible dirt and signs of age, which we have chosen to leave untouched to protect its original state. The diamond settings are clean and all stones are intact. The original strap and buckle show expected light wear from use over the years. On the mechanical side, the manual wind movement is running strong after passing our test bench.

An Uncommon Alternative

This is a watch for someone who appreciates the history of the great jewelry houses but wants something more discreet than a modern piece. It offers a clear alternative to the standard luxury staples, providing a level of design sophistication that only a house like Van Cleef can deliver. It is a manual wind dress watch that works because it does not try to be anything other than what it is, which is a high quality gold timepiece from one of the most respected names in the world.

Key Specs

Reference: 11111

Model: Classique

Year: 1980s

Movement: Manual

Case Size: 31x31mm

Bezel: Satin 18K YG with 20 Diamonds

Bracelet: DIamonds on double lugged Original Leather and buckle

Dial: Campagne

Metal: 18K YG

SKU: 280

Van Cleef & Arpels - Diamond Bezel.
Van Cleef & Arpels - Diamond Bezel. Sale price$7,850.00 USD

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!