Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Introducing a fresh tribute in the ongoing saga of the Métiers d’Art collection, Vacheron Constantin presents The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – a series of captivating timepieces based on the 12-year cycle.
 
A symbol of a vivacious, independent spirit, the sign of the goat will take over from the horse on February 19th 2014. To mark this occasion, the Manufacture presents two new watch creations magnificently enhanced by enamelling and engraving.
 
Since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin has excelled in the field of precious ornamental techniques and cultivates passionate ties with the artistic crafts that it has consistently promoted by nurturing the transmission of expertise from one generation to the next. This know-how provides the Geneva-based watchmaking House with the opportunity to highlight its fundamental values – including of course its constant quest for excellence, as well as sharing passion, passing on knowledge and openness to the world expressed through unconditional support for both native and foreign forms of artistic expression.
 
Paper-cutting, at the crossroads of Western and Eastern cultures
 
China, a land with which Vacheron Constantin first began establishing a trust-based relationship from 1845 onwards, is famous for a number of discoveries including the invention of paper. It also initiated the art of paper-cutting or Jianzhi, a technique that appears on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and is echoed in Scherenschnitt, the popular art of paper-cutting born in the Pays d’Enhaut region of Switzerland. Sculpted in paper according to the principles of Jianzhi, the animals of the Chinese zodiac provide a remarkable demonstration of the art of using full and empty spaces. 

A challenge that Vacheron Constantin has taken up and translated into the field of watchmaking thanks to the skill of its experienced artisans. Engravers and enamellers have worked in alternating pairs on the Year of the Goat, models crafted in pink gold or platinum and issued in two 12-piece limited series exclusively available through Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.
 

 A contemporary alliance of traditional artistic crafts for a magnificent dial
 
The leaf motif appearing on the dial and stemming from classic Chinese iconography, is etched directly in the metal. The pattern remains semi-embedded and stands out from its gold base by a subtle stage-setting of variously accentuated reliefs creating a depth effect. The raised honeysuckle flowers appear to be floating over the dial. With the goat engraving, on which the details of the fleece measure a mere fraction of a millimetre, the artisan provides a tangible expression of the artistic vision behind this creation.

Then comes the stage of Grand Feu enamelling, a technique invented in Geneva and which remains the exclusive preserve of a rare breed of artisans. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist further enhances the visual intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. The necessity of maintaining tight control of the colour and the reactions to the firing process that takes place in a kiln at around 800 to 900°C, calls for a specific way of reasoning that takes years to acquire. A final layer of enamel is then applied before a final firing operation that vitrifies the dial and lends a shiny glazed effect that gives added definition to the floral motif. The goat is delicately applied to the centre of the dial, exuding a sense of calm and serenity through the sapphire crystal.
 
A calibre focusing on space with an original display
 
Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection owes its superb scope for expressing the decorative arts notably to Calibre 2460 G4. In keeping with its longstanding tradition of offering a broad variety of original displays, Vacheron Constantin perpetuates the art of watchmaking by providing a hands-free display of time. It does so through four windows respectively revealing the hour, the minutes, the day and the date. The first two indications are of the dragging kind and the last two of the jumping type, and each appears through one of the four apertures arranged around the central dial motif. Beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the mechanical self-winding movement is equipped with a 22-carat gold oscillating weight adorned with a dynamic geometrical motif inspired by the shape of the Maltese Cross, the historical House emblem. All its parts are treated to exceptionally sophisticated finishing that meets the criteria laid down by the Hallmark of Geneva – one of the highest tokens of horological craftsmanship created in 1886 and recognised around the world. This requirement now applies to the entire timepiece, which is duly certified by the Hallmark of Geneva.
 
The Year of the Goat model, part of the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, is endowed with that unique touch of soul possessed by watches bearing the Hallmark of Geneva. With this exceptional collection, Vacheron Constantin intends to pursue its special ongoing dialogue with collectors and devotees of Fine Watchmaking.

TECHNICAL DATA
References 86073/000P-9890 - Platinum
86073/000R-9889 - Pink gold
Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
2015, year of the goat
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
Caliber 2460 G4
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
31.00 mm (11’’’ ¼) diameter
6.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours power reserve
4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
237 components
27 jewels
Indications Hours, minutes, date and month in apertures
Case Platinum 950 / 18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 12.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial 18K gold dial, hand-engraved and Grand Feu enamelled
Hand-engraved platinum 950 / 18K 5N gold goat
Strap Dark blue / Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp Platinum 950 / 18K 5N pink gold folding clasp
Half Maltese cross-shaped
Accessories Delivered with a corrector pen, a magnifying glass and a dedicated brochure to better showcase the craftsmanship and the technicality behind these creations
 
Limited edition of 12 pieces for each model
“2015” engraved on the back of each timepiece