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Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster

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November 2016


The countdown is on until Chinese New Year and Swiss watchmakers are preparing to celebrate in artistic style – and conquer a bit more of the prized Asian market, too.

The rooster takes over from the monkey at the Chinese New Year on January 28th, 2017, and Vacheron Constantin will be among the first to celebrate. That’s because the Swiss watchmaker has just released the limited edition Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster.

According to the brand, with this release it is “pursuing its dialogue with collectors and passionate devotees of Haute Horlogerie by enriching its Métiers d’Art.”

Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster

That may will be true, but this release – and many others focused on the Chinese zodiac theme – are clearly tailored to woo Asian consumers. While the watch industry is still experiencing tough times in the Far East, China and Hong Kong in particular remain important for watch brands that want to have a successful 2017.

The two new creations, one in a 40mm platinum case and the other in 18K pink gold, are each realized in twelve models. They are part of the Métiers d’Art collection and those familiar with it will know that it has produced some of the brand’s most artistic pieces to date. That strong tradition is maintained well with the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster.

Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster

The watches feature the fine paper-cutting technique, known as Jianzhi, which is meant to also symbolize the connection between Eastern and Western cultures. In Switzerland, for example, the popular art is echoed through its famous Scherenschnitt paper-cutting.

This artistic approach can be seen in the foliage motif appearing on the dial, based on classic Chinese iconography and etched directly into the metal. The pattern stands out from its gold base thank to the variously accentuating reliefs that create the subtle depth on the dial.

Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster

Then we have the Grand Feu enamelling. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist enhances the intensity of the dial, which is available in either a blue or bronze-tone. The effect is achieved by firing at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius. The hand engraved rooster, of course, is at center stage and made of platinum or pink gold.

The high beat, hand-winding Caliber 2460 G4 runs the show and helps to maximize the impact of the artists’ creation on the vibrant dials. As a result there are no hands on this watch - the movement’s hands-free time display is achieved through four apertures showing the hours, minutes, days and dates.

The finely decorated Hallmark of Geneva movement is also visible through the sapphire crystal back. Its 22-carat oscillating weight is adorned with a recurrent Maltese cross pattern, testifying to finishes consistent with the finest watchmaking traditions.