Introducing The New Métiers d'Art Editions Pay Tribute to Ancient Chinese Culture"

Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art watches have always been masterpieces of artistic craftsmanship. The Swiss company has consistently introduced these timepieces in various themes, maintaining a focus on high-end finishing and traditional techniques. This tradition is evident in collections like the Explorer Naturalists, which featured four timepieces inspired by the English ship Beagle, and special editions created in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

In its latest collaboration, Vacheron Constantin pays homage to ancient Chinese culture with its new Métiers d'Art Tribute to Traditional Symbols series. This collection features two interpretations of the "Seawater Cliff," a legendary Chinese motif first seen in the 14th century. This depiction of wave-lashed cliffs is deeply rooted in the cultural tradition of Imperial China. Mr. Song, the former Associate Research Librarian of the Palace Museum in Beijing's Forbidden City, guided Vacheron Constantin's artisans on this project.

The watches feature a 38 mm-diameter case in 18K pink and white gold. Buyers can choose between a bezel decorated with hand engraving or one set with 74 brilliant-cut diamonds. 

The Vacheron Constantin logo is elegantly printed in white on the sapphire crystal that protects the dial.

The first version of the watch “Eternal Flow” showcases a cloisonné enamel decoration. This technique, introduced to China during the Yuan dynasty and refined during the Jingtai era of the Ming dynasty. 

Vacheron Constantin meticulously attached 220 gold wires to the dial, a process taking 50 hours, followed by 70 hours dedicated to crafting the colorful enamel dial through painting, firing, and polishing. The striking contrast of colors evokes the image of a planet in the universe, blending historical grandeur with an ancient cosmic perspective.  This section extends beyond the dial, with the bezel hand-engraved with a stylized “bat” motif symbolizing prosperity.

The second version, dubbed “Moonlight Silvers,” features a more subdued color palette but is equally intricate in its decoration. The dial starts with a base either hollowed out or raised to form the Seawater Cliff pattern, which is then filled with blue enamel. After firing, the blue enamel is hand-engraved into a wavy pattern, with the tiny curls filled with white enamel and fired again. The metal areas of the pattern are set with diamonds, and the bezel is also adorned with diamonds.

The Sea: Crafted from deep-blue Grand Feu enamel, applied in successive kiln-fired layers, and then engraved. The waves are depicted through intricate engraving and filling with white enamel, creating the effect of a moving sea with subtle shadows.

Sea Tides: The sea tides are delicately hand-set with brilliant-cut diamonds. This section adds a touch of sparkle to the design.

Mountain Range: The mountains are depicted with tone-on-tone champlevé enamel inlays, meticulously engraved to enhance the landscape’s depth. This section extends beyond the dial, with the bezel hand-engraved with a stylized “bat” motif symbolizing prosperity.

Under the transparent case back is the in-house developed automatic movement, Caliber 2460. Notable for its aesthetic appeal and compact dimensions (26.2 mm in diameter and 3.60 mm thick), this movement features a 40-hour power reserve and beats at 4 Hz. It meets the Hallmark of Geneva’s rigorous standards, and the 22K gold rotor is delicately engraved with a motif recalling the movement of waves and tides.

These watches are available with either a burgundy or dark blue alligator leather strap, complemented by a pink gold or white gold folding clasp. Each edition is limited to 15 pieces, with pricing available upon request.

For more information, please visit Vacheron Constantin official website.