Van Cleef & Arpels: Time Is More Than a Measurement | Rainer Bernard Interview

In this exclusive interview, Maryna Steger speaks with Rainer Bernard, Director of Watchmaking Research & Development at Van Cleef & Arpels, about the Maison’s distinctive vision of High Watchmaking – where extraordinary mechanics, métiers d’art, astronomy and storytelling come together to create its unique "Poetry of Time". At the heart of the conversation is the new Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune – an extraordinary interpretation of the Moon’s cycle combining day and night, a constantly evolving moon phase and an animation on demand. Rainer Bernard explains one of the fascinating technical challenges behind the watch: how can you call up the Moon during the daytime without disturbing the astronomical precision of the moon-phase indication? The answer involves an ingenious mechanical construction using two differentials. We also take a closer look at the Midnight Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs, where a highly practical dual-time complication with jumping hours and retrograde minutes is transformed into something distinctly Van Cleef & Arpels – elegant, understated and poetic. And then there is storytelling. The Lady Arpels Rencontre Céleste and Lady Arpels Retrouvailles Célestes bring to life the ancient love story of Vega and Altair, combining exceptional métiers d’art with a narrative that begins on Earth and continues among the stars. But perhaps the most revealing part of our conversation is Rainer Bernard’s explanation of what Van Cleef & Arpels wants to contribute to contemporary High Watchmaking: A different way of experiencing time. Discover the philosophy, craftsmanship and remarkable mechanics behind Van Cleef & Arpels’ 2026 creations with WatchAdvisor. Which of these creations would you choose? Let us know in the comments. #VanCleefArpels #VCAWatch #HighWatchmaking #LuxuryWatches #WatchAdvisor ‪@vancleefarpels‬