The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art “Tribute to The Celestial” Collection

As one of the most prestigious watch manufactures from Geneva, it’s no surprise to see Vacheron Constantin playing in the field of artisanal crafts, or what the industry names “métiers d’art.” One of the recurring themes used by VC are the zodiac signs, expressed in various manners over the years, either through yearly Chinese-themed watches or astronomical complications. This year, as part of its 270th anniversary celebrations, Vacheron Constantin releases a series of 12 watches mixing technical expertise, fine craftsmanship and hand-decorated dials depicting the zodiac signs and their associated constellation. Here’s the Métiers d’Art “Tribute to The Celestial” Collection.

All 12 references, one per zodiac sign, share the same base and movement, only to differentiate from the illustration on the dial. The case, made from 18k white gold, is presented in an elegant 39mm, with a contained thickness of 10.7mm. Complementing the blue theme of the collection, the cases are set with 96 baguette-cut sapphires (approximately 3.87 carats) on the bezel, lugs and crown. The whole collection is inspired by a single-piece edition created in 2021 by Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers workshop, the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart Leo Constellation Jewellery.

The dials are an ode to the constellations and zodiac signs, but also a tribute to intricate, rare handcrafts performed at Vacheron Constantin’s manufacture. Made of 5N gold, with a dark celestial blue colour and a sunray-brushed surface, all 12 dials depict a hand-guilloché zodiac sign and its associated constellation, with the principal stars represented by brilliant-cut diamonds. In addition to the guilloché, the four signs representing human figures (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Aquarius) feature opaline details. The guilloché work here goes beyond classic abstract and repetitive patterns, transforming the traditional craft into a figurative art form. The technique involves the creation of a multitude of hand-guilloché triangles formed of densely packed straight lines. You’ll have the choice between Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

Inside the case is a well-known and high-end movement, the calibre 2160. This in-house movement relies on a peripheral rotor, freeing the view on the movement as well as keeping it thin, with a total height of 5.65mm. Operating at a frequency of 2.5Hz, the movement is regulated by a one-minute tourbillon under a hand-polished tourbillon bar and Maltese Cross-shaped tourbillon cage. Finished by hand and bearing the Poinçon de Genève, the movement features hand-bevelled bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève, circular-grained wheels and chamfered and polished screws. It stores a comfortable 80-hour power reserve.

Worn on a dark blue alligator leather with alligator lining, closed by a white gold folding clasp set with 16 baguette-cut sapphires, the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art “Tribute to The Celestial” Collection is available only through Vacheron Constantin Boutiques, and the price is upon request. For more details, please visit www.vacheron-constantin.com.