The inaugural dual-time piece from the Pierre Arpels collection — the Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs timepiece — represents a poetic interpretation of travel.
Epitomising both chivalry and masculinity, this timepiece reflects my wanderlust and ability to push boundaries when exploring new worlds. Through a mindset that values both the present time and memories of far horizons, there is a constant impulse to get away.
The first Pierre Arpels’ timepiece created in 1949, paid homage to Pierre’s travels around the world and his curiosity of unknown cultures. With this inspiration, the Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs timepiece represents an essence of sophistication and imaginary travels.
Heure d’ici (here)
What is happening at this exact moment everywhere around the world? We are currently governed by a single time zone. But what happens once we cross into a different time zone, do things change? Are we more or less encouraged, fuelled, spontaneous? Time zones should never act as a barrier, but an opportunity to explore.
The Waiting Gentleman. A gentleman should always be patient, calm and collective. Image is key and should never be jeopardized. Being punctual, well groomed and mannered will set you apart from the rest, like a gem in the sand.
It is clear that times are forever changing, just like the gorgeous phases of a sunset. It starts off so slow and subtle, and then once the sun reaches the horizon, it vanishes within a few minutes. In recent years the advancements across all sectors have developed four times quicker than they would have two decades ago. With time comes efficiency.
It is no coincidence that the past will continuously meet with the present. It is the past that has aided in shaping our present. Through learning, mistakes and experiences we are able to pave the way to your future. Dubai is a city that has only come to life in the last fifteen years. The juxtaposition of high-rise buildings opposite kilometers of desert is a perfect example of past meeting present.
The Gentleman. Pure elegance, filled with charisma, enthusiasm and a strong belief in chivalry. The type of gentleman who religiously practices a daily routine of a morning latte, whilst leafing through the latest Economist and Financial Times at his local café. An act Pierre Arpels would appreciate himself.
Heure d’ailleurs (elsewhere)
Travel is essential. It fuels the mind, spirit and understanding. I love traveling across Europe as it allows me to gain rich inspiration that is so hard to come by anywhere else in the world. London is one of the fastest growing cities when it comes to men’s fashion. I want to be there as it develops, and keep a keen eye out to its progress.
Lebanon – my home country. A country I cherish and respect so much. Through years of civil war and political instability, our country stands strong. I visit Lebanon four times a year to remind myself of my roots and to continuously learn about the culture, heritage, and meaning of family. During winter, the majority of the country is covered in snow and you are left with mesmerizing views.
Whenever I travel, I always choose to make an adventurous journey. I constantly seek rare and unique locations that have been abandoned or undiscovered by the outside world. It is the experiences encountered during the journey that form an extraordinary adventure.
Switzerland – the heart of watch making. I visit Switzerland twice a year for the biggest watch fairs in the world. Here I am presented with a wealth of information and knowledge about these magnificent instruments of time. I will continue to devote two weeks of my year to visit this beautiful country in hope that I one day become extremely educated about timepieces.
With Italy being the fashion hub of the world, I make it mandatory to attend the men’s fashion weeks. Italy is also a country that I highly value. From the food, music, wine, people and historical sites to its incredible generation of artisans, it ceases to amaze me.
