The Haute Couture collection – 2012 from Dior Christal is an ode to discerning fashionistas and brand loyalists known for their elegant style. The ensemble consists of five one-of-their-kind timepieces, each of which pays a fitting tribute to the various chic elements of Dior high fashion – its palette of colours, the finest detailing from embroidery, pleating, dotted voile, ruffling to the rose patterns.

Recapturing some of the watchmaking features of Dior VIII, the latest collection is just as extraordinary with timekeepers that are hand-crafted to perfection all thanks to their classy inspiration – the Haute Couture dresses from the iconic House of Dior.

As Monsieur Dior once stated, “It is possible that Couture is a mode of expression that might be compared to architecture… A collection can only be successful if it is well cut and well sewn: just like the most beautiful house is valid only if it is well constructed.”

Replete with feminine, tender and audacious colours, which is a strong Dior characteristic – the collection is designed in intense shades with rubies and spinels and softer versions with bezels set with lilac amethysts or light pink sapphires.

To transpose the underlining Haute Couture into Haute Horologerie only the most suitable and precious materials are used with each piece subjected to more than six months of research for each of its components.

Only the best quality stones that are natural and untreated are used. Several shades of stones are selected by the Studio and cut in order to obtain the definitive colour of each baguette. In order to render the pleating as beautiful as possible, each stone is then selected and placed according to the aesthetic look wanted by the Studio.

The dials require approximately 30 hours of work. Each detail on the dial is developed on a computer and adjusted to the watch making constraints of size, resistance or thickness of the materials. The mother-of-pearl and gemstones are inserted to decorate the oscillating weights.

These horological wonders remind one of the Dior Couture dresses – just as beautiful and immaculate on the inside as outside with their trademark perfect finishing.

Every element, even the strap, displays the keen attention to the smallest detail being paid to it. Meticulous manual work goes into the making of each of these straps made with fabrics in harmony with the luxe timekeepers. A ‘Christian Dior Paris’ label on the lining of the strap is treated with the same delicacy as a fashionable garment. Innovative as they sound, these straps are now being patented to preserve their exclusivity.

Each timepiece has three different straps for the style divas’ different moods – the pleated strap covered in tulle represents high fashion, the alligator strap for a more traditional look while the smooth satin is timeless in its very essence.

All these mechanical feats come together in sync to illustrate the spirit of Dior Haute Horologerie inhabiting these treasures of precision that push back the boundaries of the impossible yet again. This is also the spirit of Dior fashion – a spirit constantly questioning itself, never hesitating to break with habit while tirelessly aiming for perfection.

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