Home » Fashion & Accessories » Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac year of the roostert

Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac year of the roostert

3 mins read

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

vacheron-watchVacheron Constantin is pursuing its dialogue with collectors and passionate devotees of Haute Horlogerie by enriching its Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac with the sign of the rooster. The latter will take over from that of the monkey at the Chinese New Year on January 28th 2017. Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, these two new creations, a limited edition of just twelve models each, combine the technical excellence of Caliber 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.

Paper-cutting, at the crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures

China, a nation with which Vacheron Constantin has been cultivating special ties since 1845, first introduce the paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi, a popular art echoed in Swiss culture through its famous Scherenschnitt paper-cutting. This artistic approach, highlighted in the Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.

Allied artistic crafts

caliber-2460The foliage motif appearing on the dial and based on 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 accentuating reliefs creating a depth effect. This makes the vegetation appear to be floating over the dial.Then comes the stage of Grand Feuenameling, an ancestral technique that remains the preserve of a very few particularly skilled artisans. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist enhances the intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. Achieving the necessary mastery of colour and of reactions to firing at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius calls for an expertise that can only be acquired over long years of experience. The rooster, made of platinum or pink gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial centre.

A movement that leaves plenty of space for artistic expression

Caliber 2460 G4 makes it possible to create a distinctive and ideal stage-setting for the decorative arts, by giving the central dial motif a starring role. The hands-free time display is achieved through four apertures showing the hours, minutes, days and dates. These indications – the first two of the dragging variety and the last two of the jumping type – proudly embody the longstanding savoir-faire of the Maison in designing and developing original displays. Clearly visible through the sapphire crystal back of the platinum or pink gold case, the 22-carat oscillating weight is adorned with a recurrent Maltese cross pattern testifying to finishes performed in keeping with the finest watchmaking traditions. All movement components are indeed finely finished in accordance with the criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva, a quality label of which Vacheron Constantin is the most faithful representative.

TECHNICAL DATA

Métiers d’ArtThe legend of the Chinese zodiac Year of the rooster

References:
86073/000P-B154
86073/000R-B153
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques

claspCaliber:
2460 G4
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
31 mm (11’’’¼) diameter, 6.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
237 components
27 jewels

Indications:
Case:

Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 12.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)

Dial:

18K gold, hand-engraved and Grand Feu enameling
Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold rooster

Strap:

Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales

Clasp:

Platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp
Polished 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 series of 12 pieces per reference

Availability: Available at select boutiques around the world.

Related Articles

Leave a Comment


This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy