KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon – Exceptional timepieces Incorporating Butterfly Wing Marquetry

Founded by the Hornstein family, KHAMAMA, the luxury brand specialised in the art of Haute Art de Papillon (butterfly wing marquetry), presents a collection of unisex dress/jewellery watches featuring dials made out of butterfly wings.

KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon watches

Iridescent butterfly wing colours are often described as the most intense natural colours and cannot be created artificially. These exceptional butterfly wings, naturally so fragile and ephemeral, are a piece of nature preserved in our artefacts for generations to come.

KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon watch collection

For this watch collection, London based luxury brand KHAMAMA has partnered with Parisian Haute Joaillerie designer Yann Llorens, who had previously worked for LV Joaillerie, Van Cleef & Arpels and Lorenz Bäumer.

The dial of each KHAMAMA timepiece is created with the precious art of butterfly marquetry by incorporating magnificent, iridescent butterfly wings, sustainably and ethically sourced from KHAMAMA butterfly farms around the world.

KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon watches

The watch case renders a picture frame encasing each a unique piece of art – Haute Art de Papillon. Mystical natural colours, shapes and patterns are contrasted by perfect symmetry and an architectural design. The dial is freed from numbers so that owner of each timepiece can focus on artistic beauty of the watch.

Depends upon the shade of butterfly wing marquetry and specific species, the Haute Art de Papillon watch collection is available in six unique models, each mentions the year in which that particular species of butterfly was discovered.

KHAMAMA TURQUOISE 1758

KHAMAMA TURQUOISE 1758 watch
KHAMAMA TURQUOISE 1758

KHAMAMA TURQUOISE 1758: The butterfly marquetry of the KHAMAMA TURQUOISE 1758 creates a naturally shaped gleaming horizontal stripe through the black dial. In 1758 this specific butterfly species was discovered in the deep South American rainforest. Carolus Linnaeus described this butterfly for the first time scientifically in Sweden. Haute Art de Papillon, handmade in England with farmed butterfly wings from South American Tropics.

KHAMAMA BLUE 1874

KHAMAMA BLUE 1874 watch
KHAMAMA BLUE 1874

KHAMAMA BLUE 1874: Depending on the perspective, the artefact shimmers from deep-water hue to sparkling electric blue. From a flat viewing angle, there occurs a reddish-violet gleam cascades over the intense butterfly blue, as if warm evening sunlight stroked gentle ocean waves. In 1874 the butterfly species was first discovered in South America and then scientifically described by Carl Heinrich Hopffer in Germany.  Haute Art de Papillon, handmade in England with farmed butterfly wings from South American Tropics.

KHAMAMA CELESTE 1773

KHAMAMA CELESTE 1773

KHAMAMA CELESTE 1773: The organically black spotted V, which dominates the dial, emerges kaleidoscopically from the vertical center line. Although the center line at first seems to mirror the dial in half, a closer look reveals the organic uniqueness of each of the dial parts. In 1773 the butterfly species of KHAMAMA CELESTE 1773 was discovered in Africa and then scientifically described by Dru Drury in England.  Haute Art de Papillon, handmade in England with farmed moth wings from Madagascar.

KHAMAMA PSYCHEDELIC 1773

KHAMAMA PSYCHEDELIC 1773
KHAMAMA PSYCHEDELIC 1773

KHAMAMA PSYCHEDELIC 1773: The opulent colours range from sparkling gold to iridescent turquoise. Its lavish colours are a celebration of sparkling gold, rich orange, light violet and luminous turquoise, while natural bands and flecks form a bold pattern. In 1773 the butterfly species of KHAMAMA PSYCHEDELIC 1773 was discovered in Africa and then scientifically described by Dru Drury in England. Haute Art de Papillon, handmade in England with farmed moth wings from Madagascar.

KHAMAMA PEARL 1782

KHAMAMA PEARL 1782
KHAMAMA PEARL 1782

KHAMAMA PEARL 1782: The gold, pearlescent hue of the natural butterfly wings emulates the finest quality mother of pearl. The avant-grade effect renders a fascination for the pearly glow. From various angles, this artefact radiates a shimmering hint of pink and rose, a light violet sheen or a blend of warm gold.

The spotted pattern is a dramatic contrast to the soft rose and gold tones. In 1782 the butterfly was discovered for the first time in the depths of the African Congo. Dru Drury then scientifically described the species in England. Haute Art de Papillon, handmade in England with farmed butterfly wings from the Central Africa.

KHAMAMA GREEN 1773

KHAMAMA GREEN 1773 watch
KHAMAMA GREEN 1773

KHAMAMA GREEN 1773: Large naturally shaped black patterns form a bold V on the Dial. Black and green striped the KHAMAMA GREEN 1773 Timepiece has a powerful appearance. In 1773 the butterfly species of KHAMAMA Green 1773 was discovered in Africa and then scientifically described by Dru Drury in England. Haute Art de Papillon, handmade in England with farmed moth wings from Madagascar.

KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon watches

The 39mm case makes the KHAMAMA timepiece deliberately unisex that means it can be worn by both men and women. The KHAMAMA Timepieces are all made out of stainless steel and feature a sapphire crystal. On request, watch model is also available in a Rhodium or a 24ct gold-plating. Water resistant is up to 50m (165ft, 5atm).

Each timepiece houses a Swiss Made Quartz movement which ensures that the watch is always precise and ready for the next exclusive occasion. Watch straps are available in brown or black calf leather and in black or silver-tone coloured satin with a classy pin buckle.

The watches are handmade in the KHAMAMA Atelier in Cheshire. Each timepiece made with this exceptional art is directly supporting nature & wildlife conservation initiatives.

The brand launched a Kickstarter Campaign on 19 Nov 2017 to promote the Haute Art de Papillon watch collection. By backing this project, customers can pre-order the watch in highly discounted price tag starting from $330.

Technical details

Collection: KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon

Case
Material: Stainless steel
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 7.90mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance:  50m, 165ft, 5atm
Crown with KHAMAMA Monogram

Movement
Swiss Quartz Movement

Straps
Black or brown non-stitched smooth calf leather strap
Black or brown non-stitched alligator-look calf leather strap
Classic pin buckle / buckle ardillon

Please visit KHAMAMA Haute Art de Papillon Kickstarter page for more details.