Vacheron Constantin Explores The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac
WRITTEN BY: ALICIA KUNKEL FROM WWW.LESCARATS.COM
The year of the Rooster entered with a renewed energy of confidence and motivation, two virtues that the Haute Horologerie Maison of Vacheron Constantin is passionate about. In honor of the Maison’s long standing relationship with Asia since 1845, they have set their artisans upon creating a very special vision that celebrates the legend of the Chinese Zodiac.
The technical excellence of their Caliber 2460 G4, bearing the hallmark of Geneva, is paralleled by its artistic excellence inspired by the Chinese paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi, an art form that is also represented in Swiss culture through its Scherenschnitt paper-cutting designs. A serendipitous development independently conceived of in each culture, yet represented here in exquisite union by Vacheron Constantin.
These designs are beautifully interpreted by the Métiers d’Art master engravers and enamelers. The rooster, made of platinum or pink gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial center perched delicately among the elegant foliage motif surrounding the dial and base, created in such a precise way that the vegetation seems to be floating over the dial. Layer by layer the Grand Feu enameling technique builds in intensity in a blue or bronze toned dial.
The rich color palette and sophisticated construction delivers the savoir-faire that the Maison is known for and is an exceptional complement to the refined and tailored wardrobe of the man with a discriminating eye, who demand his timepiece to be as timeless as his style.
Photo by Vacheron Constantin
TECHNICAL DATA
Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac
Year of the rooster
References 86073/000P-B154
86073/000R-B153
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 enameling
Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold rooster
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
