Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
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

Latest Articles

Introducing the Bulova Shelby Racer Chronograph - Racing history in high-frequency motion
Bulova celebrates the legendary Shelby Daytona Coupé with a chronograph full of character featuring a mirror-polished dial, automotive-inspired details and a high-frequency Precisionist quartz movement.
3 minutes
Nomos Glashütte Adds Two New Faces to the Tetra 27 - Dare to be square
Nomos Glashütte expands the Tetra collection with the Tetra 27 White and Tetra 27 Duo, two compact square watches powered by hand-wound manufacture movements.
3 minutes
Seiko: Seiko 5 Sports Motocompo — A Japanese Design Icon Rides Again - The iconic scooter, now on the wrist
Seiko celebrates the 45th anniversary of Honda’s Motocompo with a special edition of the Seiko 5 Sports Field watch that is inspired by the cult folding scooter’s unmistakable look and spirit.
4 minutes

You might also be interested in

Arnold & Son Unveils the Perpetual Moon “Colours of the Moon” - Moonlight in new hues
Arnold & Son expands its Perpetual Moon collection with three stainless-steel limited editions. Each model combines a moon-phase display with a watchmaking first: PVD-coated mother-of-pearl is used for both the dial and the celestial backdrop.
3 minutes
Jul 10, 2026
Union Glashütte Introduces the 1893 Johannes Dürrstein Edition Double Moon Phase - Twice the moon phase, twice the charm
A newly developed hand-wound movement, a complete calendar, and a rare double moon-phase display bring a fresh technical highlight to Union Glashütte’s 1893 collection.
3 minutes
Jul 27, 2026
Meet the Robot Legends LE Josef Mašín - A tribute to courage, freedom, and time
The Czech independent watchmaker launches the first model in its new Legends collection, honoring resistance fighter Josef Mašín with an eight-day movement and a design rich in historical symbolism.
3 minutes
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad