Review Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond pavé

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Égérie is the French word for “muse”. When Vacheron Constantin launched the Égérie collection last year it was a clear tribute to the woman. The new horological muse of Vacheron Constantin offers the brand’s exceptional haute horlogerie expression in a feminine form. A collection solely dedicated to a segment of collectors too often forgoten – the lady collector. We have today a short look at this sweet example o pure watchmaking in an iced form – the Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond pavé Reference 4606F/000R-B648.

While many ladies collectors take refuge in the realm of gents’ dedicated pieces, some wish to have the ladies sector better developed. There are just a few brands out there that really take and see the industry also through the eyes of the women. And I am happy to say that Vacheron Constantin is part of this very small world. The brand’s history reveals some exceptional watches created to fulfil even the most demanding and crazy wishes. From high jewellery watches to small and delicate ones, Vacheron Constantin evolved together with its feminine side of the collectors’ world. From this evolution, we can observe the development of a modern collection created to satisfy the wish for diamonds but also for the horological exceptional. Cased in 30, 35 and 37 mm diameter precious metals (and even steel), the Vacheron Constantin Égérie impress with an automatic movement and several complications (time only, date or moon phase).

Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond pavé

From this year’s Classic with a Twist series, Vacheron Constantin presented during the Watches and Wonders new pieces in the Égérie Collection that combines Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture. The Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond pavé is a superb automatic with date mechanical watch celebrated in a full paved diamond gold case.

Glazing beauty and exquisite craftsmanship

Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond pavé Reference 4606F/000R-B648 comes in an elegant 5N gold package. The 35 mm ping gold case was fully paved with 303 diamonds. Various sizes were used to emphasise different parts of the case. For instance, we can notice slightly bigger stones used on the slender bezel. The gorgeous case band was decorated with three rows of diamonds, continuing the seting up to the end of the short lugs. As a promotor of good taste and exceptional craftsmanship, the Maison opted to introduce a larger diamond at the end of the lugs. Accompanied by the highly polished chamfer, the lugs appear natural (I can also use “organic” in this context) in the entire spectacle (and not a forced design).

The star of this sparkling show is represented by the slender crown adorned with a rose-cut diamond. Positioned between 1 and 2 o’clock, the crown is the cherry on top of the asymmetric dial. The case was specially designed to make the grip and use of the crown as easy as possible. I can confirm that the entire experience is a pleasant one. Even the interhorn space received the same care and diamond paving as the rest of the caseband.

The Égérie self-winding diamond pavé is fitted with a candied chestnut satin-effect Mississippiensis alligator leather strap or with a candied chestnut satin strap (the one present on the watch), both being delivered with 18K 5N pink gold pin buckles (directly mounted on the straps). The buckles are shaped in the traditional half Maltese cross and adorned with 17 round-cut diamonds. The straps are soft and offer good comfort. I forgot to mention that the straps have a quick-release system that permits a fast and trouble-free strap change.

Gold and diamonds, diamonds and gold…

If you think the case is impressive, then you will be blown away by the dial. A number of 574 diamonds on a pink gold dial creates a complex light spectacle. The dial is split into several areas: two concentric diamond-paved circles delimit the area where the applied Arabic gold numeral sit. A third circle, positioned off centric between 1 and 2 o’clock, reveals an arched aperture. The date (calligraphic black print on a white background) is pointed with the help of an applied gold arrow. The legibility of the Égérie self-winding diamond pavé is somewhat difficult due to the high number of sparkling distractions.

The Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond-pavé uses three hands with central seconds way to display the time. The hands are manufacturef in gold and were given a polished leaf shape.

Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1088

The Égérie self-winding diamond pavé watches are powered by the selfwinding calibre 1088. This movement can be found only in the women collection. I find it quite nice that the Maison de connoisseurs uses an in-house calibre dedicated to the ladies pieces. And of course, the presentation is splendid under the large sapphire window of the caseback.

The central role is played by the 22k gold rotor weight that features a nice series of finishes: skeletonisation, brushing, hammering, positive engraving, chamfering and polish. The spectacle is continued by the beautiful background enriched with gilded engravings. We can also notice the traditional Geneva waves, beveled and polished edges, polished head screws and a perlage on the main plate.

On the technical side, the specifications speak about 40 hours of power reserve and a 4 Hz oscillator. The Calibre 1088 measures 20.80 mm in diameter and 3.83 mm in thickness. It uses 144 components of which 26 are jewels.

Conclusions

Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding diamond pavé is an extraordinary example of how much the brand respects and support its feminine collectors: a dedicated line (not available for men) with its own manufacture calibre. The watches are marvellous – a beautiful classic case with a nicely done diamond setting, a dial that has much more to offer than precious stones and a gorgeous movement.