Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art – The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Dog Limited Edition
On 16th February 2018, on the occasion of Chinese New Year, the dog will take over as the Chinese zodiac sign from the rooster according to Chinese traditional calendar. To mark this event, Vacheron Constantin presents two new Métiers d’Art Year of the Dog watches, realised in twelve models each, combine the technical excellence of Caliber 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.
For this creation, Vacheron Constantin has given a fresh interpretation to the ancient Chinese paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi and then combined it with the other traditional arts such as engraving and enamelling.
The foliage motif appearing on the dial and based on 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 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. The dog, made of platinum or pink gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial centre.
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 is adorned with a recurrent Maltese cross pattern testifying to finishes performed in keeping with the finest watchmaking traditions.
All movement components are indeed finely finished in accordance with the criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva.
Technical details
Model: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac – Year of the dog, References: 86073/000P-B257 & 86073/000R-B256
Certification
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Movement
Calibre 2460 G4
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
31 mm (11’’’¼) diameter, 6.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
237 components
27 jewels
Indications
Hours, minutes, day of the week and date in apertures
Case
Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 12.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)
Dial
18K gold, hand-engraved and Grand Feu enamelling
Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold dog
Strap
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 and a magnifying glass
Edition
Limited series of 12 pieces per reference
Availability
Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
