December 4, 2014: Introducing a fresh turn 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 in February 2015. To mark this occasion, the Manufacture presents two new watch creations magnificently enhanced by enamelling and engraving.
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. In the goat engraving, the details of the fleece measure a mere fraction of a millimetre.
Using Grand Feu enamelling, the enamel specialist further enhanced 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 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.
The watch uses Calibre 2460 G4 to keep up its firepower. Vacheron Constantin perpetuates the art of watchmaking by providing 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, and each appears through one of the four apertures arranged around the central dial motif. Beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, 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 House emblem.
