Melting Watch, Large Silver

• Inspired by the Salvador Dali painting and absolutely nothing else
  
• Chromium alloy plated bronze case
• Japanese made Miyota quartz movement
• One year warranty for defects
  

A desk piece, not a wristwatch

Laphont's melting watch is a working quartz clock shaped as if it were draped over the edge of a desk or shelf, in a chromium-plated bronze case with a choice of black, brown or green finish and white, black, salmon or Arabic-numeral dials. It is the kind of object that starts a conversation in an office, which is exactly why it works as a gift when the recipient already owns everything practical.

When to give it

Retirement is the obvious moment: the reference to time is light enough to be a joke and handsome enough to keep. It also fits a partnership announcement, a practice anniversary or a closing gift for a client who collects design objects. If the office leans warm tones, the square gold version is the same piece in 14-karat gold plating. Both carry a one-year warranty on defects and pair with other retirement gifts for a sendoff bundle.