A Tribute to Art: Vacheron Constantin Launches the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Series

      As the latest tribute to the enduring legend of the — Métiers d’Art collection,Vacheron Constantinthe Legend of the Chinese Zodiac series has been introduced, operating on a twelve-year cycle.
      The goat is a symbol of vitality and independent spirit. As the Year of the Horse makes way for the Year of the Goat in 2015 2 19, Vacheron Constantin will introduce two new timepieces, both showcasing exceptional quality through enamel craftsmanship and the art of engraving.
      Since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin has excelled in the field of haute decoration, actively integrating watchmaking with its long-championed artistic crafts through the transmission of expertise across generations. The Geneva-based watchmaker highlights its core values through its master craftsmanship, which naturally includes an unremitting pursuit of excellence, as well as sharing passion and transmitting knowledge by unconditionally supporting various artistic expressions both at home and abroad, demonstrating a global outlook.

Paper-cutting craft, the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures
      Since 1845, Vacheron Constantin has established a relationship of mutual trust with China. Renowned for inventions such as papermaking, China is also the birthplace of the art of paper-cutting. This art, listed by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage”, shares striking similarities with the popular silhouette art (Scherenschnitt) originating from the Pays d’Enhaut region of Switzerland. Based on the principles of paper-cutting, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are cut from paper, a technique that requires making full use of negative space to push the craft to its limits. The master artisans of Vacheron Constantin, with their superb skills and rich experience, have taken on this challenge and applied it to the field of watchmaking. Engravers and enamellers have worked in close collaboration to create two Year of the Goat timepieces, crafted in pink gold or platinum, each limited to 12 pieces and available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
A modern alliance of traditional craftsmanship results in a magnificent dial
      The foliage motif on the dial, derived from classic Chinese patterns, is etched directly onto the gold dial. The pattern features a semi-embedded design, meticulously combined through reliefs of varying depths to create a sense of profound depth. The prominent honeysuckle appears to float above the dial.
      The goat's fleece is sculpted in exquisite detail, measuring less than one millimetre in thickness. Through this creation, the artisan offers us a tangible artistic vision.
      Next comes the Grand Feu enamelling stage. Originating in Geneva, the Grand Feu enamelling technique is mastered by only a select few artisans today. By applying several successive layers of enamel glaze, the master enameller further enhances the visual intensity of the blue or bronze dial. As the enamel dial is fired in an oven at around 800 to 900 degrees Celsius, the glaze colour and the reactions caused by firing must be strictly controlled; this demands a power of rational deduction that takes years to master. A final layer of translucent enamel is applied before the ultimate firing, lending the dial a smooth, lustrous vitreous finish that renders the floral motifs even more distinctly visible.
      Set at the centre of the dial is a finely detailed goat motif, appearing serene and peaceful against the backdrop of sapphire crystal.

A movement dedicated to space —— an original display design
      The Métiers d’Art éThe Legend of the Chinese Zodiacû collection owes its ample room for decorative arts largely to its 2460 G4 calibre. Upholding a long-standing tradition of offering original display functions, Vacheron Constantin demonstrates its breathtaking watchmaking expertise on this movement via a handless time display, featuring four aperture windows showing the hours, minutes, day and date. The former two displays use a dragging mechanism, whilst the latter two use a jumping mechanism; each is presented through four apertures surrounding the central dial motif. The self-winding mechanical movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and incorporates a 22K gold oscillating weight decorated with dynamic geometric motifs, inspired by the brand's historic symbol, the —— Maltese Cross. All components are meticulously finished in complete accordance with the rigorous demands of the Hallmark of Geneva —— founded in 1886, it is one of the world's most prestigious symbols of fine watchmaking craft. Currently, the scope of the Hallmark of Geneva certification has extended from the calibre to the watch as a whole, fully validating the complete timepiece.
      As a creation within the Métiers d’Art éThe Legend of the Chinese Zodiacû series, this Year of the Goat watch bears the Hallmark of Geneva, giving it a unique soul. Through this distinctive collection, Vacheron Constantin seeks to continue its exclusive dialogue with fine watch collectors and connoisseurs of haute horlogerie arts.

Technical Specifications
Model 86073/000P-9890 – Platinum 86073/000R-9889 – Pink gold Métiers d’Art “The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac” Series 2015 Year of the “Goat”, Hallmark of Geneva certified, available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques Movement 2460 G4 Developed and manufactured in-house by Vacheron Constantin Automatic mechanical movement Diameter 31.00 mm (11’’’ ¼ ligne) Thickness 6.05 mm Power reserve of approximately 40 hours 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) 237 components 27 jewels Display Aperture windows for hours, minutes, date and month Case 950 Platinum / 18K 5N Pink gold Diameter 40 mm, thickness 12.74 mm         Transparent sapphire crystal case back Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres) Dial 18K Gold dial, hand-engraved, Grand Feu enamelled Hand-engraved 950 platinum / 18K 5N pink gold goat motif Strap Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle finish, large square scales Clasp 950 platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp Half Maltese cross-shaped Accessories Comes with a correction pen, a magnifying glass, and a brochure showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and superior technology behind the work. Each model is limited to 12 pieces, and each case back is engraved with “2015”