VACHERON CONSTANTIN - Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Limited Edition NEW
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The Manufacture presents The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac and its first model: the Year of the Snake.
Introducing an extraordinary new opus 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. It begins with the Year of the
Snake model, a symbol of the periodical nature of time, of seduction and
of refinement.
Ref.
86073/000P-9752 -
Platinum
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Since its founding in
1755,
Vacheron Constantin
has excelled in the field of precious ornamental techniques and
cultivates passionate ties with the artistic crafts. The latter provide
the Geneva-based watchmaking House with the opportunity to highlight its
fundamental values – including of course its constant quest for
excellence, as well as openness to the world expressed through
unconditional support for both native and foreign forms of artistic
expression.
Ref.
86073/000R-9751 -
Pink Gold
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Paper-cutting, at the crossroads of two 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 Snake, models crafted in pink
gold or platinum and issued in two 12-piece limited series exclusively
available through the brand’s own-name Boutiques.
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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 leaves appear to be floating over the dial.
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With the
snake engraving, on which crafting the scales alone represents at least
30 hours of work, 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.
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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.
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The snake is delicately applied to the centre
of the dial, poised as if ready to spring through the sapphire crystal
and thus creating a truly striking effect.
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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 artistic crafts 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 handsfree 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.
Calibre - 2460 G4
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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 brand 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. On the occasion of the recent
125th anniversary of the Hallmark,
the 12 original criteria governing this distinction were updated. Having
previously applied exclusively to the movement, the new Hallmark of
Geneva criteria now certify the excellence of the watch as a whole.
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The
Year of the Snake 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.
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Technical Specifications
References
86073/000P-9752 -
Platinum
Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size .
Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size .
References
86073/000R-9751 -
Pink Gold
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Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Snake watch
Hallmark of Geneva
Caliber: 2460 G4, developed and crafted by
Vacheron Constantin
Energy: Mechanical, self-winding
Movement diameter: 31.00 mm (11’’’ ¼ )
Movement thickness: 6.05 mm
Number of jewels: 27
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
Number of components: 237
Indications: Hours, minutes, day of the week and month
Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours
Case:
Platinum 950 / 18K 5N
pink gold case
40 mm diameter
12.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-Resistance: Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approximately 30 meters)
Dial: 18K gold hand-engraved, coated with “Grand Feu” blue / bronze enamelling
Hand-engraved
platinum 950 /
18K 5N gold snake
Strap:
Dark blue / Brown Mississippiensis alligator, large square scales, hand stiched, saddle-finish
Clasp:
Platinum 950 /
18k 5N pink gold folding clasp
Half Maltese cross
Limited edition of 12 pieces for each model
“
2013” engraved at the back of each timepiece
Only available through the
Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
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Press release
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