This series, Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac, has become a permanent theme for Vacheron Constantin. In honor of the upcoming Year of the Tiger, which replaces the Ox in the Chinese New Year on February 1, 2021, Vacheron releases two new versions of its classic high-end calendar watches with artistic decoration to pay tribute to the animal that symbolizes invincible strength, power, and might, and is considered the king of furry beasts in Chinese culture. The new Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Tiger” watches, combining an original display and impressive dial, represent new models.
For several years now, Vacheron Constantin has been paying tribute to Chinese culture by creating high horology watches. We have already seen them with the Pig and the Rat, and as the Year of the Tiger approaches, the Geneva manufacture once again presents several new releases. There are no surprises in these new models as they are still based on the same original mechanism and continue to showcase impressively intricate dials.
The Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Tiger” watches will be released in two versions - in platinum or rose gold. The case, classic for the brand's production, is 40mm in diameter, fully polished, with stepped lugs typical of this series. Both models are worn on an alligator leather strap matching the dial color and secured with a folding clasp made of the same precious metal as the case.
The true adornment of these new watches is once again the work of the engravers and enamelers of the brand's Métiers d’Art division. The vegetal motifs depicted on the dial, based on classical Chinese iconography, are etched directly into the gold dial base. This base then undergoes the grand feu enameling process, where several layers of blue or bronze-colored powder are manually applied. The dial is then fired at temperatures ranging from 800 to 900 degrees Celsius to achieve this glass-like surface. Finally, the Tiger at the center of the dial is crafted from platinum or rose gold, engraved by hand, and delicately applied to the dial.
The signature feature of the “Legend of the Chinese Zodiac” watches is their original displays, and the new “Year of the Tiger” series is no exception. Consisting of 4 apertures, it shows the hours and minutes on the upper half, while the lower part of the dial is reserved for calendar indication – the day of the week and the date.
Under the sapphire case back lies the automatic caliber 2460 G4, a mechanism certified by the Geneva Seal. Operating at a frequency of 4Hz and possessing a power reserve of 40 hours, it is beautifully finished with Geneva stripes, perlage, beveled bridges, and a 22-carat gold rotor decorated with a pattern inspired by the Maltese cross emblem.
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Tiger” watches are a limited edition of 12 pieces, available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques. Price on request. For more detailed information, visit www.vacheron-constantin.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – VACHERON CONSTANTIN MÉTIERS D’ART LEGEND OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC
Case: Diameter 40mm x Height 12.72mm – Case in 950 platinum or 18-carat rose gold, polished – Sapphire crystals front and back – Water resistance 30 meters
Dial: 18-carat gold base, hand-engraved with Grand Feu enamel – Tiger hand-engraved in platinum/18-carat 5N rose gold – Available in blue or brown
Movement: Caliber 2460 G4, in-house – Geneva Seal certified – Automatic – 27 jewels, 237 components – 31mm x 6.05mm – Frequency 4Hz – 40-hour power reserve – All indications on discs: hours, minutes, day of the week, and date
Strap: Dark blue or dark brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with an alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched – Folding clasp in platinum or 18-carat rose gold
References: 86073/000P-B900 platinum
86073/000R-B901 rose gold
Availability: Limited edition of 12 pieces, available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques
Price: Price on request