A Tribute to Art: Vacheron Constantin Launches the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Monkey Watch

        To continue the passionate dialogue between the brand and collectors and enthusiasts of high watchmaking,Vacheron ConstantinSpecially presents the latest tribute in the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection——— the Year of the Monkey watch. 2016 2 8 marks the Chinese New Year, bidding farewell to the Year of the Sheep and welcoming the Year of the Monkey. The two latest pieces launched for this occasion are limited to twelve pieces each, all bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, highlighting the exceptional technical performance of the 2460 G4 movement and the endless charm of Vacheron Constantin's artistic craftsmanship.

 

 

Paper-cutting craft, the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures

        Since 1845, Vacheron Constantin has established a special bond with China. The Chinese art of paper-cutting shares similarities with the famous silhouette art (Scherenschnitt) in Swiss culture. This craft has become a highlight of the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, which has been given a new interpretation through the collaboration of master engravers and master enamellers.

 

 

The integration of multiple artistic crafts

        The leaf decoration pattern on the dial is derived from classic Chinese motifs and is engraved directly onto the gold dial. The pattern uses a semi-embedded design, carefully combined through reliefs of varying depths to create a profound sense of depth. The highlighted plants appear to float above the dial.

 

 

        Next is the Grand Feu enamelling stage. The Grand Feu enamelling technique originated in Geneva, and only a very small number of artisans are proficient in it today. By applying several layers of enamel glaze, the master enameller further highlights the visual tension of the blue or bronze-coloured dial. When the enamel dial is fired at 800 to 900 degrees Celsius, the colour of the glaze and the reaction produced by the firing must be strictly controlled, which requires the master enameller to have professional judgement—a skill that takes years to fully master. The hand-engraved platinum or gold monkey motif is delicately inlaid in the centre of the dial.

A movement offering ample space for artistic creation

 

 

        2460 G4 The movement provides an ingenious and ideal stage for the watch's decorative art design, allowing the motif in the centre of the dial to take centre stage. The dial features a hands-free time display, with four windows displaying the hours, minutes, days of the week, and dates. The first two displays use a sliding mechanism, while the latter two use a jumping mechanism. This original display method was designed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, perfectly showcasing the brand's timeless and excellent craftsmanship. Through the transparent sapphire crystal case back of the platinum or pink gold case, one can clearly admire the 22K gold oscillating weight of the movement, which is decorated with the Maltese cross, a historic symbol of the brand, highlighting the heritage of exquisite high watchmaking. All parts are finely finished, fully complying with the rigorous requirements of the Hallmark of Geneva, of which Vacheron Constantin is the most loyal representative.

Technical Specifications Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection - 2016 Year of the Monkey

Model

 

 

86073/000P-8972 – Platinum

 

 

 

 

86073/000R-8971 – 18K 5N Pink gold, engraved with the Hallmark of Geneva, available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques Movement 2460 G4 Vacheron Constantin in-house developed and manufactured automatic mechanical movement, diameter 31 mm (11 ’ ’ ’ ¼ lignes), thickness 6.05 mm, approximately 40 hours of power reserve 4 Hz (vibrations per hour 28,800), 237 components, 27 jewels Display Windows for hours, minutes, days of the week, and dates Case Platinum/18K 5N pink gold, diameter 40 mm, thickness 12.74 mm, transparent sapphire crystal case back, tested to 3 bar pressure (approx. 30 metres) Dial 18K gold, hand-engraved and Grand Feu enamelling technique, hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N gold monkey Strap Dark blue/brown double-sided Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, hand-stitched, saddle-stitched, large square scales Clasp Platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp, polished half Maltese cross-shaped Accessories Comes with a correction pen, magnifying glass, displayBrochure showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and superior technology behind the work

Each piece is limited to 12 examples
Each case back is engraved with the inscription '2016'