The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac is a new series of timepieces by Vacheron Constantin that are based on the 12-year cycle of Chinese years and begins with the Year of the Snake model.

Inspired by the traditional Chinese art of Jianzhi, or paper-cutting, a craft that also gained popularity in Switzerland, engravers and enamellers have worked in alternating pairs on the Year of the Snake, models crafted in pink gold or platinum and issued in two 12-piece limited series exclusively available through Vacheron Constantin’s own-name Boutiques.

Year of the Snake watch by Vacheron Constantin

The leaf motif on the dial is etched directly on to the metal. The pattern remains semi-embedded and stands out from its gold base by a subtle stage-setting of variously accentuated reliefs creating a depth effect. The snake engraving, on which crafting the scales alone represents at least 30 hours of work, provides a tangible expression of the artistic vision behind this creation.

The snake is delicately applied to the centre of the dial, poised as if ready to spring through the sapphire crystal and thus creating a truly striking effect

This sculpture is then finished by Grand Feu enamelling, a technique invented in Geneva and which remains the exclusive preserve of a rare breed of artisans. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist further enhances the visual intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial.

The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection owes its superb scope for expressing the artistic crafts to the Calibre 2460 G4 movement, which provides a hands-free display of time. It does so through four windows respectively revealing the hour, the minutes, the day and the date. The first two indications are of the dragging kind and the last two of the jumping type, each appearing through one of the four apertures arranged around the central dial motif. The mechanical self-winding movement is equipped with a 22-carat gold oscillating weight adorned with a dynamic geometrical motif inspired by the shape of the Maltese Cross, the historical brand emblem. All its parts are treated to exceptionally sophisticated finishing that meets the criteria laid down by the Hallmark of Geneva.