Saturday, November 16, 2013

VACHERON CONSTANTIN - Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac - Year of the Horse Limited Edition
















VACHERON CONSTANTIN - Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac -Year of the Horse  Limited Edition NEW

2014, year of the horse

Introducing a fresh tribute 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. A symbol of a lively and independent spirit, the sign of the horse will take over from the snake on February 1st 2014. To mark this occasion, the Manufacture presents two new watch creations magnificently enhanced by enamelling and engraving.

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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 that it has consistently promoted by nurturing the transmission of expertise from one generation to the next. This know-how provides the Geneva-based watchmaking Maison with the opportunity to highlight its fundamental values – including of course its constant quest for excellence, as well as sharing passion, passing on knowledge and openness to the world expressed through unconditional support for both native and foreign forms of artistic expression.

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

China, a land with which Vacheron Constantin first began establishing a trust-based relationship from 1845 onwards, is famous for numerous discoveries including the invention of paper and also known as the initiator of the art of paper-cutting or Jianzhi. This technique 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 alternatively on this Year of the Horse model, crafted in pink gold or platinum and limited to 12 pieces each, reserved for Vacheron Constantin Boutiques exclusively.

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A contemporary alliance of traditional artistic crafts for a magnificent dial

The leaf motif, stemming from classic Chinese iconography, is directly engraved in the gold dial. 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 bamboo stalks appear to be floating over the dial.

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With the horse engraving, on which the details of the mane and coat measure a mere fraction of a millimetre, 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.The horse is delicately applied to the centre of the dial, poised as if ready to galop 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 decorative arts notably 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 hands-free 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.
 
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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 House 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. This requirement now applies to the entire timepiece, which is duly certified by the Hallmark of Geneva.


The 2014, year of the horse 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.

Caliber - 2460 G4

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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Reference:   86073/000P-9832 - Platinum
Reference:   86073/000R-9831 - Pink Gold

2014, year of the horse Hallmark of Geneva

Movement
Calibre 2460G4
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 date
Case 
18 Pink Gold 42.5 mm diameter, 11.02 mm thickness
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water resistance: 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Power reserve
Approximately 40 hours
Case
Platinum 950 / 18K 5N pink gold case
40 mm diameter
12.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Dial
18K gold hand-engraved, coated with “Grand Feu” blue / bronze enamelling
Hand-engraved platinum 950 / 18K 5N gold snake
Water-Resistance
Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approximately 30 meters)
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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For more information please contact:
Sra. Jennifer Lara
Marketing & Communications Manager Latin America
Vacheron Constantin
jennifer.lara@vacheron-constantin.com
Luis Alejandro López-Silva
Public Relations Agency Manager
PR4U para Vacheron Constantin México
pr4u.agency@me.com

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Friday, November 15, 2013

GRAHAM – Chronofighter Oversize Superlight GT Asia Limited Edition















GRAHAM Chronofighter Oversize SuperLight GT Asia Limited Edition NEW


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Official Timekeeper of GT Asia Series

The High Mass of racing is held each year at the Guia circuit, Macau. Attracting hundreds of thousands of people from China and surrounding Asian countries, the Macau GP is the place to be for racing and beautiful show lovers.

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With the new Chronofighter Oversize Superlight GT Asia, GRAHAM devotes its watch making and motorsport expertise to this international competition. To put a successful mark to the Season finale, the limited edition of 88 pieces features a new lightweight concept case made of carbon nanotubes and bears bright colours and track codes.

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The Chronofighter Oversize Superlight GT Asia will be presented at the Macau GP weekend to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the prestigious Macau Grand Prix from 15th to 17th November and will without doubt be a leader in the last lap.

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GRAHAM has won its “wheels” in racing thanks to various partnerships and the creation of vivid timepieces that meet the most prestigious mechanical sports’ expectations.
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The brand is a long-term partner of GT Asia which is the leading GT Series in Asia and welcomes the most exciting names in racing. This season GRAHAM also decided to pair up with four drivers. Alex Yoong from Malaysia, Marchy Lee, Hong Kong, Cong Fu Cheng, China and Jeffrey Lee, Taiwan. The driver partners, Philip Ma of Hong King and Francis Hideki from Japan will also represent the brand for the 2013 season.

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Eric Loth, GRAHAM CEO commented: "The GT Asia Series is an exceptional event which enthrals thousands of racing enthusiasts. We are proud to race alongside great champions and partners. This year especially we could not miss the season without bringing our watch making skills to the highest level of performance to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix. The result is our Chronofighter Oversize Superlight GT Asia showing what mechanics and motorsport are all about."

The limited edition Chronofighter Oversize Superlight GT Asia is a new concept watch dedicated to speed, adrenaline and advanced technology. The start and stop lever on the left of the case, the renowned GRAHAM signature, is made of plain carbon and results from a very specific machining process. This means that the lever is a unique piece of carbon which provides the watch with more stiffness and enhanced usability. The black ceramic bezel gives the watch its strength and shining personality.
Enhanced with a lightweight black carbon nanotube composite case, the highly shock absorbing watch weighs less than 100g.

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Main features also include:
47 mm Superlight black carbon nanotube composite case. Calibre G1747, automatic self-winding chronograph, 25 jewels, 28’800 A/h (4Hz), Incabloc shock absorber, 48 hours power reserve, tachymeter scale with yellow graduation, domed sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating on both faces, smoked sapphire crystal case back with GT Asia, superlight inscriptions and limited edition serial number, integrated red rubber strap with “Clous de Paris” decoration. Limited edition 88 pieces.


GT Asia Series 2013 – Guia Circuit, Macau
15-17 November

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Technical Specifications

Ref. 2CCBK.B10A.K95N  Limited edition 88 pieces
Functions 
Chronograph (seconds, 30 minutes counter).
Date at 8 o'clock
Hours, minutes, seconds
Calibre 
G1747, automatic chronograph, 28'800 A/h (4Hz),
Incabloc shock absorber
25 jewels
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case 
47 mm superlight black carbon nanotube composite case (51g).
Total weight of the watch is under 100g
Black carbon left fast-action start/stop trigger and black rubber reset pusher
Black ceramic bezel
Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both faces
Smoked sapphire crystal case back with GT Asia, superlight inscriptions and limited edition serial number
Water resistance
330 feet / 100 m /10 bar
Dial 
Black dial and snailed counters
White GT Asia inscription at 9 o'clock, yellow superlight inscription at 12 o'clock
White Super-LumiNova hands and numerals, red chrono, minutes and seconds
counters' hands. Minute scale with yellow numerals.
Reversed minutes counter with yellow painted indicator to show starting point
Tachymeter scale with yellow graduation
Strap 
Integrated red rubber strap with "Clous de Paris" decoration
Black ceramic pin buckle
Price 
7'800 CHF

Press release
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