Vacheron Constantin is pursuing its dialogue with collectors and passionate devotees of Haute Horlogerie by enriching its Metiers d'Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac with the sign of the dog, emboying. Loyal, devoted and reliable, it will take over from the rooster at the Chinese New Year on February 16th 2018. These two new creations, realised in twelve models each, combine the technical excellence of Caliber 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.

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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 Metiers d'Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.

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.

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Then comes the stage of Grand Feu enamelling, an ancestral technique 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 dog, made of platinum or pink gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial centre.

Calibre 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.

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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

Metiers d'Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac Year of the dog

References 86073/000P-B257; 86073/000R-B256; Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces; Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques

Calibre 2460 G4; Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin; Mechanical, self-winding; 31 mm 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 enamelling; Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold dog

Strap Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather 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 and a magnifying glass

Limited series of 12 pieces per reference

For more visit Vacheron Constantin Online.