Vacheron 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 rabbit. “Demure as a maiden, quick as a rabbit”: this old Chinese saying is an appropriate interpretation of rabbit in Chinese cultural cognition, perfectly signifying the highly incisive and agile image of this zodiac sign. Symbolising graciousness, kindness and benevolence in traditional Chinese culture, the rabbit will take over from the tiger at the Chinese New Year on 22 January 2023. Two new creations, issued in limited series of 9 each, combine the technical excellence of Calibre 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
The vegetal motifs appearing on the dial and based on classic Chinese iconography are 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 Feu enamelling, 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 animal, 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
Calibre 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 features a decor inspired by the Maltese cross emblem. 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.
Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac – Year of the rabbit Technical Specifications
Reference
86073/000P-B932
86073/000R-B933
Movement
- Calibre 2460 G4
- Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
- Mechanical, self-winding
- 31 mm (11¼’’’) diameter, 6.05 mm thick
- Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
- 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
- 237 components
- 27 jewels
- Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Indications
- Hours, minutes, day of the week and date in apertures
Case
- Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
- 40 mm diameter, 12.72 mm thick
- Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
- Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)
Dial
- 18K gold, hand-engraved, Grand Feu enamelled
- Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold rabbit
Straps
- Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather 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
Limited series of 9 pieces per reference.
Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.
About Vacheron Constantin
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in continuous production for over 265 years, faithfully perpetuating a proud heritage of watchmaking excellence and stylistic sophistication through generations of master craftsmen.
At the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie and understated elegance, the Maison creates timepieces with unique technical and aesthetic signatures, and an extremely high level of finishing touches.
Vacheron Constantin brings to life unparalleled heritage and a spirit of innovation through its collections: Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Métiers d’Art, Overseas, Fiftysix, Historiques and Égérie. It also offers its discerning clientele of connoisseurs the rare opportunity to acquire unique and bespoke timepieces by means of its “Les Cabinotiers“ department.
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