Square Melting Watch, Large Gold

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

A desk piece, not a wristwatch

The square version of Laphont's melting watch: a working Japanese quartz clock in a 14-karat gold-plated bronze alloy case, shaped as if it were softening over the edge of a shelf. Case finish comes in black, brown or green with a white, black or Arabic-numeral dial. It is a design object first and a clock second, which makes it an unusual gift for a profession that otherwise receives pens and plaques.

When to give it

Retirements, partnership announcements and milestone anniversaries, where a light reference to time is welcome and a recipient's desk is the display case. Gold plating suits offices with warm wood and brass; for steel and glass interiors the silver-tone round version is the same idea in chrome. One-year warranty on defects. See the rest of our retirement gifts for pieces to pair it with.