It’s a fine tradition in the world of haute horlogerie: every year, the colorful animal kingdom of the Chinese zodiac inspires a select circle of high-end manufactures to create artistic and fanciful métiers-d’art timepieces. In 2023, they have an enchanting template in the form of the hare, bringing the symbolic furry animal to life in a variety of forms on dials of the limited special editions.
Vacheron Constantin’s tribute to the Chinese culture, the Métiers d’Art the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rabbit comes in a 40mm platinum or pink gold case and combines excellent craftsmanship with the mechanical digital indications of the self-winding manufacture caliber 2460 G4. Hours, minutes, the weekday, and the date are displayed through four windows on the periphery of the dial.
It goes without saying that the rabbit takes center stage on the highly artistic dial. Crafted from pink gold or titanium, it is brought to life by Vacheron Constantin’s master engravers. The proud animal poses in front of a flower motif which is based on classic Chinese iconography and etched directly in the metal.
The pattern remains semi-embedded and stands out from its gold base by a subtle stage-setting of variously accentuating reliefs creating a depth effect. This makes the flowers and leaves appear to be floating above the background of the dial.
This whimsical oeuvre is completed by sophisticated Grand Feu enamelling. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist enhances the intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. Achieving the necessary mastery of color and technique of firing at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees celsius is possible only through expertise that is acquired over long years of experience.
Looking at the back of the watch is likewise a feast for the eyes. All movement components are superbly finished in accordance with the criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva, a quality label of which Vacheron Constantin is proud.
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rabbit is a limited series of 9 pieces per reference and is only available at Vacheron Constantin Boutiques. Pricing for the model is available upon request.
To learn more, visit Vacheron Constantin, here.
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