When timekeeping becomes art: 7 exquisite timepieces that will take your breath away

Watches and Wonders, the biggest event for watch-lovers held in Geneva on an annual basis, always holds surprises for its attendees. This year's edition lived up to expectations, with three major luxury players unveiling masterpieces that captivated watch enthusiasts and jewellery aficionados alike: taking focus away from the wrist to incredible standalone timepieces worthy of a gallery.

Here we take a closer look at the seven horological 'table clock' masterpieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, Patek Philippe and Chanel, constructed from the finest precious metals and stones, each a mesmerising feat of precise construction and exquisite engineering.

Van Cleef & Arpels named their table clocks Extraordinary Objects™ for a reason. This year the worldwide known high jewellery brand presented a duo of timepieces that take the observer into the world of magical creatures and nature. Employing advanced technical movements that are, in the brand's words, “inspired by nature in motion, the creations cleverly double as storytelling devices – revealing creatures hidden inside. The highest quality of stones and precious metals are at play, including a rose-cut diamond briolette-cut sapphire, gold and more. Meanwhile, the pink-hued bowl within the piece titled ‘Apparition Des Baies’, was created with a rare and stunning mineral thulite.

Related: These are the most iconic women’s watches of all time

Picture this: you have just arrived at your country house in the archipelago, welcomed by radiant sunshine and the sound of lapping waves. As you walk through the door, a Patek Philippe table clock greets you, illuminating the entire room and adding a truly unique character to the interior. This year, Patek Philippe unveiled the largest-ever collection of its ‘Rare Handcrafts’, comprising a total of 82 pieces, astonishing all in the the Watches and Wonders audience with their creativity and craftsmanship. The brand proudly utilises centuries-old techniques, including miniature painting on enamel, hand engraving, hand-executed guilloché work, gemsetting, and more. Patek Philippe Dome Clocks are undoubtedly conversation starters that captivate with the stories they tell and timeless elegance, making them cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

Related: It’s official, this year we won’t be wearing our watches around the wrist

This year, Chanel's domain at Watches and Wonders paid homage to Haute Couture through the house's horlogerie collection. A capsule collection titled Couture O’Clock was unveiled, inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s workshops and the tools she used to craft her groundbreaking fashion pieces. Among the stunning watches, one standout item captured the attention of all : the table clock (that is also a music box) inspired by the Rue Cambon Atelier, named Musical Clock Workshop Couture, rendered in the house's emblematic black and white colours. Chanel elevated this creation by designing an 18k gold and diamond key pendant that not only unlocks the clock’s wonders but also doubles as a wearable necklace.