I’ve followed Van Cleef & Arpels for years, and what sets them apart isn’t just aesthetics—though that’s a huge part of it—but the way they integrate high-end watchmaking with their rich jewelry heritage. Their complications and unique setting techniques (like that famous mystery setting) showcase a blend of art and engineering rarely seen elsewhere. For someone starting out, it’s worth focusing on pieces that balance innovative design with proven craftsmanship, giving you both visual appeal and mechanical reliability.