The continuation of the Fleur de Lis legend
The ‘Fleur-de-Lis’ watch project has had an unexpected continuation. After creating two versions of the ‘Fleur-de-Lis’, I was approached by a client from Istanbul. He wished to have his own interpretation of the ‘Fleur de Lis‘, complete with a number of individual elements that emphasised his personal preferences. This time the order included a case and clasp in 750 yellow gold, two sets of interchangeable straps and a wooden box with a spoon for storing and transporting the watch and accessories.
The client initially considered this watch not just as a piece of jewellery made of precious materials, but as a full-fledged accessory for daily use. With this in mind, one of the primary objectives was to create a functional set of straps that would allow the wearer to easily adapt the style of the watch to different situations.
You can find out how the first versions of the ‘Fleur-de-Lis’ were created in this article (link).
A refined case: gold and diamonds
When we began the project, we carefully analysed all the details of the order, coordinating every nuance with the client, from the exact shades of alligator leather chosen for the straps to the final placement of the diamonds on the butterfly clasp. The case of the watch, crafted in 750 yellow gold, is the result of the skilful work of master jeweller Sergei Sofronov, created in 2021. The inlay of the case includes 180 diamonds, totalling 2.7 carats. The centrepiece of the ‘lily’ is artfully set with 92 stones, the bezel is adorned with 64 diamonds, and a further 24 stones are inlaid in the lugs of the watch case. The sapphire crystal on either side of the case reveals the lily motif on the skilfully skeletonised dial and allows you to enjoy the workings of Patek Philippe sophisticated antique movement.
Exclusive interchangeable straps: aesthetics and functionality
In my V.Kondratenko studio, I created two sets of exclusive watch straps using premium quality alligator leather. For each set I chose different colours of leather: classic brown and expressive blue. The straps are complemented by a practical, classic buckle and an elegant butterfly clasp decorated with the Fleur de Lis emblem and radially arranged diamonds.
Both straps were made entirely by hand, using traditional tannery techniques. The process involved precision alligator cutting, careful assembly, colouring and hand-finishing of the cuts for a flawless appearance. Special attention was paid to the moulding of the straps to give them an anatomically correct shape. The pieces are hand stitched with saddle stitching using strong linen waxed thread to ensure durability and reliability. At the core of the straps is a layer of extra thin yet extremely strong reinforcement from German manufacturer Jaeger, ensuring resistance to leather stretching and deformation. The inner side of the straps (lining) is made of moisture-wicking hypoallergenic leather, which ensures wearing comfort and prevents irritation of the wrist skin. The anatomical features of the client’s wrist were taken into account when creating the straps in order to achieve the most comfortable and ergonomic fit of the watch.
The brown alligator strap is the epitome of classic elegance. The deep, rich shade of warm brown, combined with the unique natural pattern of the scales, forms an understated and noble look. When paired with this strap, the watch takes on an emphasised austere and respectable look, making it an ideal choice for business atmospheres and formal occasions. The blue strap, on the other hand, adds a touch of modern expression and colourful individuality to the look. The rich sapphire hue, complemented by the expressive texture of the alligator leather, gives the watch a stylish and somewhat unconventional character, emphasising the wearer’s fine sense of taste and confidence.
The box: stylish and secure storage
The final element of the set is the storage box, which provides reliable protection and emphasises the high status of the product. The wooden box with its carefully polished surface and lacquered finish is a worthy frame for watches and accessories. The austere design and the nobility of the wood accentuate the premium status of the watch, while the interior space, equipped with a soft Alcantara spoon, ensures the careful storage of the watch and an additional set of replacement straps.
The result: a harmony of design, luxury and practicality
Working on this customised ‘Fleur-de-Lis’ order was an interesting and inspiring experience for me. I work alone in my studio, creating exclusive leather goods, paying attention to every detail and incorporating unique solutions into my designs. In this order I tried to fulfil the wishes of a demanding client by combining aesthetics, luxury of precious materials and functionality. The set of interchangeable straps, created with different stylistic solutions in mind, is complemented by an elegant box that ensures careful storage of the accessories.
I am always open to realising new challenges and ready to bring to life the most extraordinary ideas of my clients.
Do you want to see more joint works with Sergei Sofronov? Click on the Sergei Sofronov tag below and enjoy other projects!
