On February 5th 2019, the Pig will take over from the dog as the symbol of Chinese New Year according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. To mark this New Year, Vacheron Constantin has created the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Pig watch series from its Métiers d’Art collection.
This watch pays tribute to ancient Chinese 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 Te legend of the Chinese zodiac, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.
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. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist enhances the intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. The pig, 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-inspired 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 Pig
Reference
86073/000P-B428
86073/000R-B429
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
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
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, Grand Feu enameled
Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold pig
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
Edition
Limited series of 12 pieces per reference
