Press Release: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art La Légende du Zodiaque Chinois Year of the Monkey

Vacheron Constantin is pursuing its dialogue with collectors and passionate devotees of Haute Horlogerie by enriching its Métiers d’Art La légende du zodiaque chinois series with the sign of the monkey. The latter will take over from that of the goat at the Chinese New Year on February 8th 2016. Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, these two new creations, realised in twelve models each, combine the technical excellence of Caliber 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.

Paper-cutting, at the crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures China, a nation with which Vacheron Constantin has been cultivating special ties since 1845, first introduce the paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi, a popular art echoed in Swiss culture through its famous Scherenschnitt paper-cutting. This artistic approach, highlighted in the Métiers d’Art La légende du zodiaque chinois, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.

Allied artistic crafts
The foliage motif appearing on the dial and based on 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 accentuating reliefs creating a depth effect. This makes the vegetation appear to be floating over the dial.

Then comes the stage of Grand Feu enamelling, a technique invented in Geneva and that remains the preserve of a very few particularly skilled artisans. 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 colour and of reactions to firing at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius calls for an expertise that can only be acquired over long years of experience. The monkey, made of platinum or gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial centre.

A movement that leaves plenty of space for artistic expression
Caliber 2460 G4 makes it possible to create a distinctive and ideal stage-setting for the decorative arts, by giving the central dial motif a starring role. The hands-free time display is achieved through four apertures showing the hours, minutes, days and dates. These indications – the first two of the dragging variety and the last two of the jumping type – proudly embody the longstanding savoir-faire of the Maison in designing and developing original displays. Clearly visible through the sapphire crystal back of the platinum or pink gold case, the 22-carat oscillating weight is adorned with a recurrent Maltese Cross pattern testifying to finishes performed in keeping with the finest watchmaking traditions. All movement components are indeed finely finished in accordance with the criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva, a quality label of which Vacheron Constantin is the most faithful representative.

TECHNICAL DATA

Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac 2016, year of the monkey
References: 86073/000P-8972 – Platinum
                   86073/000R-8971 – 18K 5N pink gold
                   Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
                   Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques

Caliber: 2460 G4
            Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
            Mechanical, self-winding
            31 mm (11’’’¼) diameter, 6.05 mm thick
            Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
            4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
            237 components
            27 jewels

Indications: Hours, minutes, day of the week and date in apertures

Case: Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
         40 mm diameter, 12.74 mm thick
         Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
        Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)

Dial: 18K gold, hand-engraved and Grand Feu enamelled
        Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N gold monkey

Strap: Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales

Clasp: Platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp
          Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

Accessories: Delivered with a corrector pen, a magnifying glass and a dedicated brochure to better showcase the craftsmanship and the technicality behind these creations

Limited series of 12 pieces per reference “2016” engraved on the back of each timepiece