To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, Vacheron Constantin presents Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac with the sign of the rabbit.
Symbolising graciousness, kindness and benevolence in traditional Chinese culture, the rabbit will take over from the tiger at the Chinese New Year on 22 January 2023. To mark the Year of the rabbit Vacheron Constantin presents new creations, issued in limited series of 9 each in platinum and 18K pink gold.
This limited Métiers d’Art series brings to light the 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 The legend of the Chinese zodiac, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.
The vegetal motifs appearing on the dial and based on classic Chinese iconography are 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 animal, 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. This self-winding watch has four apertures showing the hours, minutes, days and dates.
Clearly visible through the sapphire crystal back, the 22-carat gold oscillating weight features a decor inspired by the Maltese cross emblem.
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 rabbit, References 86073/000P-B932 and 86073/000R-B933
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 per hour)
237 components
27 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Indications
Hours, minutes, day of the week and date in apertures
Case
Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 12.72 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)
Dial
18K gold, hand-engraved, Grand Feu enamelled
Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold rabbit
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 9 pieces per reference
Only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
