The new Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse watches stand as a captivating addition to the maison’s illustrious series, bridging the realms of horological prowess and supreme artistic expression. Connoisseurs will recognise in these references – 86073/000R-H067 and 86073/000P-H066 – the continuation of a dialogue between East and West, and a physical embodiment of Vacheron Constantin’s 270-year pursuit of excellence.
The dials of these pieces do not simply tell the hour; they narrate the rich story of the Chinese Horse, an ancient symbol revered for its vitality, prosperity, and courage. Here, Vacheron Constantin‘s artistic crafts come splendidly to life. The central motif, a horse sculpted in either 18K white or pink gold, is presented leaping across a boulder rendered in relief engraving. The depth achieved in the dial’s design owes much to the precision of hand-engraving, which is responsible for the intricate representation of the horse’s flowing mane and muscular contour. The use of a hand-patinated finish highlights each detail and adds character to the alluring composition.
The scene is settled atop a dial explorable for its blend of grand feu enamelling and miniature painting; the background’s colour gradient shifts beautifully from a softer centre to a deeper edge, while the foliage, miniature-painted in enamel, brings a dreamlike quality, contrasting with the dynamic central figure. The dedication evidenced in the creation is considerable, with the dial motif itself requiring three days of concentrated work, and the elaborate enamelling process extending over a fortnight – each layer fired at over 800°C to achieve unrivalled intensity and nuance.
Technically, these watches house the manufacture’s Calibre 2460 G4, here employed in service to a display delightfully unobstructed by hands. This self-winding movement, developed entirely in-house and Geneva-hallmarked, uses a quartet of discs positioned at the dial’s periphery. The trailing hours and minutes are arrayed on the upper half, complemented by jumping day and date indicators below. Comprising 237 components and 27 jewels within a compact 31mm diameter and 6.05mm thickness, the movement operates at 4Hz and offers around 40 hours of autonomy. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, one beholds the openworked 22K yellow gold oscillating weight, itself detailed with the maison’s polished Maltese Cross and decorated in fine guilloché – a further nod to Vacheron’s artisanal supremacy. Perlage, Côtes de Genève, hand-bevelling, and hand-chamfered jewel sinks are visible throughout, each meeting the conditions requisite of Geneva’s prestigious hallmark.
The cases, available in either 18K 5N pink gold or 950 platinum, are sized at 40mm diameter and 12.72mm thick, striking a confident balance between wrist presence and traditional elegance. In faithful satisfaction to the needs of connoisseurs, water-resistance is rated to a depth of 30 metres by way of rigorous 3 bar testing. Vacheron Constantin’s penchant for tactile and visual refinement is again evident in the transparent caseback and the crisp formation of lines along the rounded case profile. Complementing the watch are rich Mississippiensis alligator leather straps, brown accompanying the pink gold, blue paired with platinum, saddle-finished, hand-stitched and structured for comfort as well as style. Their respective clasps echo the case metal, furthering unity in the design.
It is in the union of artistic mastery and technical complexity that Vacheron Constantin’s Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse transcends ordinary watchmaking. These timepieces are the continuation of an unwavering quest for excellence, creativity and savoir-faire that began in Geneva in 1755. With each stroke of an engraver’s tool and the measured application of enamel, the maison celebrates both the enduring spirit of horology and the enchanting symbolism of Chinese culture. As always, the philosophy of François Constantin – “do better if possible, and that is always possible”, remains the driving force behind the house’s devotion to technical and artistic innovation. In its presentation, execution, and conceptual depth, the new Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse distinguishes itself as a true object of desire, further solidifying Vacheron Constantin’s position at the summit of modern haute horlogerie.
QUESTIONS TO SANDRINE DONGUY, DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT & INNOVATION
What is the significance of the Horse in traditional Chinese culture and, in particular, the Chinese Zodiac?
The twelve Chinese zodiac signs correspond to the twelve Earthly Branches which represents Ancient Chinese wisdom. The horse is the 7th sign of the zodiac and has held an important place in Chinese culture since ancient times, carrying very diverse symbolic meanings. Perhaps most importantly, it symbolises good fortune and prosperity, often serving as a mascot, especially during important occasions such as the Lunar New Year. The horse is also regarded as a symbol of strength and courage, particularly due to its role in ancient warfare, where warhorses were vital companions to soldiers, embodying determination and a fearless spirit.
Why are Métiers d’Art creations important to Vacheron Constantin?
Vacheron Constantin’s approach to watchmaking has always been a synthesis of technicality and artistic beauty. The Métiers d’Art collection reflects our commitment to preserving and perpetuating traditional decorative crafts by encouraging their evolution as well as passing on the savoir-faire to future generations. Since our Maison was founded in 1755, we have developed and nurtured a deep savoir-faire in techniques such as engraving, enamelling, guillochage and jewellery. Alongside this, the Maison’s renowned technical expertise has enabled the development of calibres with special displays that offer a wide scope for artistic expression. Like Calibre 2460 G4/2, which powers these Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac creations, Calibre 1120 AT also has a hands-free display. By leaving the dial fully open for artistic decoration, the construction of these calibres means that the aesthetic elements of the watches can take precedence over the technical aspect.
