The Vacheron Constantin Métiers D’Art: Year of the Rabbit

Photo: Vacheron Constantin

The Rabbit

The Vacheron Constantin Métiers D’Art: Year of the RabbitBy enhancing its Métiers d’Art (the myth around the Chinese horoscope’s rabbit symbol), Vacheron Constantin is expanding its relationship with collectors and ardent Haute Horlogerie enthusiasts. The rabbit, which in ancient Chinese tradition represents graciousness, friendliness, and benevolence, will replace the tiger on January 22, 2023, in the Chinese New Year. 

For that reason, two additional designs, one in platinum and another in 18K 5N pink gold, were both released in a limited run of 9 copies. They blend the technological brilliance of the in-house Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 G4 with the elegance of handcrafted beauty.

Paper-cutting at the nexus of Eastern and Western civilizations

Jianzhi, a renowned art form reflected in Swiss society through its famed Scherenschnitt paper-cutting, was initially introduced to the world by China, a country in which Vacheron Constantin has had unique connections since 1845. Due to the skill of the professional enamelers and engravers, the artistic style featured in the Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese horoscope has been granted a new perspective. 

Photo: Monochrome

The two brand-new Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac have 40-millimeter casings made of platinum and 18K 5N pink gold. The dial on the platinum edition is colored blue, whereas the dial on the pink-gold model is brown. 

Connected artistic crafts

The dial’s vegetal patterns, inspired by traditional Chinese imagery and created using Allied artistic techniques, are engraved into the metal. The design has been subtly stage-set with various emphasizing reliefs to create the illusion of depth while remaining partially embedded and standing out against its gold foundation. This gives the impression that the foliage is hovering above the dial. 

Photo: Monochrome

The next phase is Grand Feu enameling, an ancient process still only used by a few groups of exceptionally experienced artists. The enamel master increases the brightness of the blue or bronze dial by adding enamel in subsequent layers.

Generally, it takes years of practice to develop the essential skill in hue and how different materials behave when fired at temperatures ranging from 800 to 900 °C. Also, hand engraving and delicate application of the animal, which is composed of platinum or pink gold, is used to create it. 

A movement that allows an abundance of space for artistic creativity

The Vacheron Constantin in-house caliber 2460 G4 has 237 pieces and powers these 2 new timepieces. It establishes a unique and perfect stage setup for decorative arts by providing the core dial theme the spotlight. Moreover, the four openings that indicate the hours, minutes, days, and dates enable a hands-free time show and are located at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock. 

Photo: Monochrome

This caliber additionally allows the watch to bring the beauty of its dial face and center. At the same time, it still provides enough room on its mien for the Manufacture’s artisans to demonstrate their proficiency in Métiers d’Art.

The first 2 indicators, which are of the pulling kind, and the final two, which are of the leaping variety, boldly represent Maison’s historical expertise in creating unique displays. The 22K oscillation weight also has a design that was influenced by the Maltese cross insignia and is clearly evident via the sapphire crystal rear of the platinum or pink gold casing. 

Furthermore, the Hallmark of Geneva, a luxury label whose most devoted embodiment is Vacheron Constantin, stipulates that all movement parts must be exquisitely polished. Notably, the movement offers a 40-hour power reserve.

About Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Timepieces

With the limited edition Tribute to the Great Explorers wristwatches, Vacheron Constantin institutionalized the Métiers d’Art series in 2004. It also showed its unwavering commitment to upholding one of the company’s core principles: maintaining the customs of artistry found in the artistic exchanges of fine craftsmanship.

Photo: Vacheron Constantin

In order to blend traditional and contemporary methods and create watches that are outstanding for their mechanics and aesthetics, expert watchmakers and professional enamellers, each practicing their separate creations as masters and enthusiasts of their art, came together to create this initial series. The innovative movement blended a great time indicator with a dial that was rendered even more stunning by grand feu enameling, an old and complex craft. 

Furthermore, in keeping with the same idea, the Métiers d’Art label’s Masques line, the first edition of which was unveiled in 2007, also expertly demonstrated how abilities and knowledge might be blended. Master designers and expert sculptors collaborated to produce watches that were genuine summons to travel across time and space in pursuit of humanity’s origins and to ponder on one of the most exquisite statements of the soul in this instance.

Photo: Vacheron Constantin

Generally, the Métiers d’Art series has developed into a great showcase for the different disciplines that make up the field of horology. This also includes Vacheron Constantin’s appreciation of both manufacturing and decorative arts.

Final Words

There are plenty of possibilities if you’re dying to include a rabbit on your wristwatch, dial edge, or otherwise. However, the Vacheron Metiers d’Art timepieces fully surpass the occasion and exist as miniature pieces of art intended to be worn on the wrist. Indeed, nothing you’ve seen comes near to matching their stunning appeal. 

Overall, when a company makes a move like this, it’s often worthy of celebration because it’s uncommon for a watch actually to achieve the status of fine art.