Characterised by rich oriental colour tones, and complex mechanisms, the Christophe Claret Layla watch features a mesmerising Automaton game of lovers’ roulette on its exquisite façade. A perfect bijoux, for anyone who has ever pondered over love’s intricacies by plucking petals from a daisy, this special edition blossoms on the wrist with resplendent aesthetics.

The model carries a whimsical dial, on which a mesmerising game of lovers’ roulette is enabled by entirely mechanical Automaton technology. The adaptation of the movement, to enable the right-to-left direction of the Arabic script of this exclusive Layla edition, adds to its complex construction, making it an even more desirable proposition.

The dial of the Layla becomes a playful panorama with just a touch on the pusher at 2 o’clock, which sets the game in motion.  In an instant one, or more, of the white lacquered daisy petals disappear smoothly beneath the dial, and the answer to the compelling question appears in a window at 4 o’clock.

Just like in life, where the degree of love given and received often varies, the dial also offers its wearer differing fluctuations of heart-felt emotion. For this special model, the answer is revealed in beautifully scripted Arabic letters.  Each time the pusher is activated, a tiny hammer, visible at 8 o’clock, sounds a delicate chime adding an ethereal aspect to the experience.

An enchanting Automaton game of such complexity is demanding of a luxurious housing and, of course, the Christophe Claret Layla does not disappoint.  Upon its resplendent 42.5mm red gold (5N) case, 69 baguette-cut diamonds, totalling 4.80 carats shimmer, accentuating its curvy profile and the upper lug has been adorned with an emerald.

The model carries a pink mother-of-pearl dial with delightful pear-shaped emeralds at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.  Encircling this luscious background, verses penned by the Arab poet, Qays Al Mulawwah are represented in delicate engraving, while each of the twelve adorable petals has been hand-crafted from titanium and satin brushed white lacquer.   From the centre, steel hands tipped with 5N pink gold, sweep gracefully secured by a precious pistil.

The sapphire display back unveils a new, alluring aspect. Here, the automatic winding rotor of the Christophe Claret EMT17 automatic winding calibre takes the form of a flower-shaped carrousel.

Endowed with precious stones in a miscellany of colours, each representing a sentiment of love, another playful game of chance is offered to the wearer, as in anticipation, she waits until the mechanism has ceased its mesmerising motion to see if one of them will line up with the red-lacquered heart on the rim.

Despite its playful nature, the Christophe Claret Layla watch is undoubtedly a timepiece placed firmly in the upper echelon of Haute Horlogerie.  A masterful demonstration of complex watchmaking prowess and meticulous craftsmanship and gem-setting, this seductive timepiece promises to enthral its wearer each time she secures it to her wrist.

Limited to just 20 pieces, this exclusive Christophe Claret Layla Ref EMT17.150-170 comes presented on a luxuriant emerald green alligator leather strap with a 5N red gold prong with snow-set diamonds.