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Vacheron Constantin - The Legend of The Chinese Zodiac

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November 2014


Introducing a fresh tribute in the ongoing saga of the Métiers d’Art collection, Vacheron Constantin presents The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – a series of captivating timepieces based on the 12-year cycle.

A symbol of a vivacious, independent spirit, the sign of the goat will take over from the horse on February 19th 2014. To mark this occasion, the Manufacture presents two new watch creations magnificently enhanced by enamelling and engraving.

Paper-Cutting
China, a land with which Vacheron Constantin first began establishing a trust-based relationship from 1845 onwards, is famous for a number of discoveries including the invention of paper.
It also initiated the art of paper-cutting or Jianzhi, a technique that appears on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and is echoed in Scherenschnitt, the popular art of paper-cutting born in the Pays d’Enhaut region of Switzerland.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Collection - The Goat from “The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac”
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Collection - The Goat from “The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac”

Sculpted in paper according to the principles of Jianzhi, the animals of the Chinese zodiac provide a remarkable demonstration of the art of using full and empty spaces. A challenge that Vacheron Constantin has taken up and translated into the field of watchmaking thanks to the skill of its experienced artisans.
Engravers and enamellers have worked in alternating pairs on the Year of the Goat, models crafted in pink gold or platinum and issued in two 12-piece limited series exclusively available through Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.

Traditional Artistic Crafts
The leaf motif appearing on the dial and stemming from 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 accentuated reliefs creating a depth effect. The raised honeysuckle flowers appear to be floating over the dial.
With the goat engraving, on which the details of the fleece measure a mere fraction of a millimetre, the artisan provides a tangible expression of the artistic vision behind this creation.

Métiers d'Art - The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac 2015, year of the goat by Vacheron Constantin
Métiers d’Art - The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac 2015, year of the goat by Vacheron Constantin

Then comes the stage of 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 necessity of maintaining tight control of the colour and the reactions to the firing process that takes place in a kiln at around 800 to 900°C, calls for a specific way of reasoning that takes years to acquire.

A final layer of enamel is then applied before a final firing operation that vitrifies the dial and lends a shiny glazed effect that gives added definition to the floral motif.
The goat is delicately applied to the centre of the dial, exuding a sense of calm and serenity through the sapphire crystal.

The Year of the Goat model, part of the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, is endowed with that unique touch of soul possessed by watches bearing the Hallmark of Geneva.

References
86073/000P-9890 - Platinum
86073/000R-9889 - Pink Gold

Source: Vacheron Constantin