Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Tiger”
The classic, high-end Métiers d'Art watch by VC, celebrating the Year of the Tiger.
This series of watches, the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac, has become a recurring theme for Vacheron Constantin. To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Tiger, which will take over from the Ox at the Chinese New Year on February 1st 2021, Vacheron is releasing two new versions of its classic, high-end calendar watch finished with artistic crafts to pay tribute to the animal that symbolizes invincible power, authority and strength, and is considered as the king of fur animals in Chinese culture. Combining original display and impressive dial, here are the new Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Tiger” watches.
It’s been quite some years already that Vacheron Constantin pays tribute to the Chinese culture with these haute horlogerie watches. We’ve seen them with the Pig and the Rat already, and as the Year of the Tiger is coming soon, the Geneva-based manufacture is once again bringing some new editions to the table. No surprises regarding these new models, as they are still based on the same original movement and still show impressively complex dials.
Two editions of the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Tiger” watch will be available, either in platinum or in pink gold. The case, classic of the brand’s production, is 40mm in diameter and is entirely polished, with stepped lugs typical of this series. Both are worn on an alligator strap matching the dial’s colour and are closed in a folding clasp made of the same precious metal as the case.
The real deal with these new watches is, once again, the work done by the master engravers and enamellers of the Métiers d’Art division of the brand. The vegetal motifs appearing on the dial and based on classic Chinese iconography are etched directly in the gold base of the dial. This base is then going through the process of grand feu enamelling, with multiple layers of blue or bronze-toned powder applied by hand. The dial is then fired at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius, to obtain this glass-like surface. Finally, the Tiger in the centre of the dial is made of platinum or pink gold and is hand engraved and delicately applied on the dial.
A specificity of the “The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac” watches are their original display, and this new “Year of the Tiger” series is no exception to the rule. Composed of 4 apertures, it shows the hours and the minutes on the upper half, while the lower section of the dial is devoted to the calendar indications – day of the week and date.
Under the sapphire caseback is the automatic calibre 2460 G4, a movement certified by the Geneva seal. Running at a 4Hz frequency and boasting a 40h power reserve, it is nicely finished with Geneva stripes, perlage, bevelled bridges and an oscillating weight in 22k gold 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” is a limited series of 12 pieces per reference, available through Vacheron Constantin boutiques only. Price upon request. For more details, please visit www.vacheron-constantin.com.
