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Reading time 3 min.

Meet the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time

Vacheron Constantin reimagines its historic Bras en l’air with the breathtaking Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time— a 20-piece limited edition that fuses kinetic artistry, astronomical precision, and the Geneva manufacture’s highest standards of craftsmanship into a single, living tableau of horology.
Vacheron-Constantin-Métiers-d’Art-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time-Ambiance Front and Back
© Vacheron Constantin

There are watches that tell a story— and there are those that could fill an entire book. Vacheron Constantin's new Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time belongs unmistakably to the latter category. Limited to just 20 pieces, this exceptional creation embodies the Geneva manufacture’s pursuit of technical perfection, artisanal savoir-faire, and aesthetic originality that has defined the brand since its founding in 1755.

Vacheron-Constantin-Métiers-d’Art-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time-Ambiance dial

Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time

© Vacheron Constantin 

Inspired by the historic pocket watch Bras en l’air from 1939, this extraordinary timepiece turns the act of reading the time into a captivating performance. At the wearer’s command, a finely sculpted human figure made from sandblasted titanium raises its arms to indicate the hours and minutes via two retrograde hands that instantly snap back to their starting position after completing their arc.

Vacheron-Constantin-Métiers-d’Art-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time- detail moon

Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time

© Vacheron Constantin 

Above this charming miniature scene floats a hand-engraved, three-dimensional sphere that displays the moon phase and moon age with astronomical precision, requiring correction only once every 122 years. A double retrograde power-reserve indicator positioned at the lower section of the dial reveals the energy status of the new manual-winding Caliber 3670. Beating at a high frequency of 5 hertz, it provides an impressive autonomy of 144 hours, or six full days.

Vacheron-Constantin-Métiers-d’Art-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time- Caliber
Caliber 3670 © Vacheron Constantin

Some of the 512 components of the movement — each hand-finished to the demanding standards of the Geneva Seal — are visible through the double sapphire-crystal dial, which depicts a star map from the year 1755. The case back continues this celestial theme: another sapphire dial displays sidereal time and the movement of the constellations in real time. The night sky motif is laser-engraved into the crystal, with blue indications achieved through metallization, yellow ones by stamping, and the month names applied using gold-powder transfer.

Vacheron-Constantin-Métiers-d’Art-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time-Back

Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time

© Vacheron Constantin 

Housed in a 43-mm white gold case, the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time is more than a watch — it is an artistic and mechanical oeuvre that transforms the passing of time into an art form. This statement piece is combined with a blue alligator leather strap. Price is available on request.

To learn more, visit Vacheron Constantin, here.

Vacheron-Constantin-Métiers-d’Art-Tribute-to-the-Quest-of-Time-Soldier

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time

© Vacheron Constantin 
Vacheron Constantin Retrograde Complication manufacture movement Limited Editions Gold Watches Moon Phase Watches

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