Butterfly Wing Marquetry Innovation
Innovation

Butterfly Wing Marquetry Innovation

By quattro · May 15, 2025 · 14 replies
quattro
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
14 replies1740 views25 photos
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Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, introduces the exquisite art of butterfly wing marquetry, a rare handcraft pioneered by Dominique Arpa-Cirpka. His post highlights Arpa-Cirpka's intricate work, particularly focusing on the unique Philippe Dufour Simplicity 'Butterfly' dial, which was created for a charitable auction. Emmanuel's detailed presentation underscores the technical and artistic mastery involved in transforming delicate butterfly wing fragments into horological masterpieces.

Dominique Arpa-Cirpka, an artist based in Collonge-Bellerive near Geneva, pioneered the use of butterfly wing marquetry in 2009 and has since created dials featuring actual butterfly wing fragments that are pieced together for ArtyA, the brand founded by her husband, Yvan Arpa.

More recently, she crafted the dial of the Philippe Dufour Simplicity sold to the benefit of the Philippe and Elisabeth Dufour Foundation, along with 11 other timepieces, at Phillips during "The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI". It was lot 129.

Butterfly wings consist of two thin layers of chitinous membrane, reinforced by a network of longitudinal and cross-veins. The green iridescent areas are scales that remain attached to fragments of the original membrane. It is these scales, aligned in microscopic layers, that cause the surface to shimmer and shift in colour depending on the viewing angle, a phenomenon known as structural coloration. Following this, gold leaf and natural pigments are added to fill voids and enhance the composition.

Best, Emmanuel


A/ Philippe Dufour Simplicity "Butterfly"

Case: 37 mm in rose gold


























credit: @watchesbylogan (1-2), revolution (3-11) & phillips (12-14) 


B/ ArtyA models with butterfly wing marquetry crafted by Dominique Arpa-Cirpka

1/ Precious Butterfly 1



2/ Precious Butterfly 2

18k gold case, caliber ArtyA A01 COSC









3/ Precious Butterfly 3




4/ Precious Butterfly IV




5/ Delicacy Tourbillon




6/ Dark Butterfly




7/ Farfalla 619




C/ Dominique Arpa-Cirpka


credit: ArtyA


Farfalla 619

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The Discussion
SH
sham1
May 15, 2025

Initially I thought the dial was unattractive but after having read the work that has gone into it, I think this watch has sold at a relatively bargain price.

QU
quattro
May 15, 2025

before this Dufour watch was reviewed before the auction. But I find it quite remarkable and I find Dominique Arpa-Cirpka to a talented artist. Thanks for looking. Best, Emmanuel

QU
quattro
May 15, 2025

I wasn't aware of her nor of this rare handcraft before this auction, but I'm glad of the discovery. Best, Emmanuel

QU
quattro
May 15, 2025

I personally like the dial too. Best, Emmanuel

IC
Ichiran
May 15, 2025

I wish I have the money to bid for it, and the final hammer price was quite reasonable for an unique piece like this one, in my view. This is such a gem.

QU
quattro
May 15, 2025

the market has got us used too. But very high nonetheless, I would say (it isn't a minute repeater, for example). Anyway, a true little gem, yes. And I find the other dial made by this artist really beautiful too. Best, Emmanuel

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