Vacheron Constantin Honours Ancient Chinese Culture with its Métiers d’Art Tribute to Traditional Symbols

Vacheron Constantin taps into a more creative vein with the latest quartet of watches celebrating ancient Chinese culture. Emerging from Vacheron’s Métiers d’Art atelier, the four models offer two different interpretations of the legendary Chinese motif known as the “Seawater Cliff”. The motif, which appeared in the 14^th century, represents the sea crashing against steep cliffs. Presented in 38mm gold cases with richly decorated dials using different enamelling techniques, the two Eternal Flow models feature vivid technicolour dials, while the Moonlight Slivers interpret the theme in a more restrained palette.

For the latest Métier’s d’Art Series, Vacheron’s design department was drawn to the “Seawater Cliff”, an omnipresent symbol of imperial China reproduced in architecture, furniture, porcelain and silk ceremonial dragon robes. This motif, which emerged during the Ming (1368-1644) and was perpetuated during the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, depicts cliffs being pounded by the sea and represents the emperor’s rock-hard and immutable stance when assailed by the vagaries of life.

The two Eternal Flow models, in 18k pink or white gold cases, feature psychedelic dials created with cloisonné enamel, a technique that originated in China. Using thin gold wires to create the desired shape, the Eternal Flow reproduces motifs found on the hem and cuffs of the richly embroidered silk dragon robes worn by Ming and Qing emperors. In the centre is a multi-coloured mountain standing firm against the violent blue waves crashing against the cliffs on both sides. Artisans and expert enamellers in Vacheron’s Métiers d’Art atelier used 220 gold wires to trace the design and employed over 50 hours to shape them. This was followed by the application of layer after layer of enamel, with a kiln firing between each layer. After being polished to highlight the gold cloisonné, the dial is treated with a translucent enamel coating.

The slim gold case is just 9.8mm high, and the bezel of the Eternal Flow models is hand-engraved with a bat motif. In Chinese, the words ‘bat’ and ‘happiness’ have similar pronunciations, and the bat is considered a harbinger of good fortune.

The Moon Slivers recreate the famous motif but are decorated with a more temperate palette. Vacheron’s expert artisans engraved the background to produce the sensation of depth and then filled certain recesses with enamel and diamonds. The sea is picked out in blue Grand Feu enamel and then engraved by hand with volutes. The furrows are then filled with white enamel to create the sensation of motion. The mountains and cliffs are depicted in the lower right corner engraved and offset with blue champlevé enamel inlays. The foaming waves hitting the cliffs are highlighted with 239 brilliant-cut diamonds, giving the impression of silvery moonlight beams. Furthermore, the bezel of the Moon Slivers is set with 74 diamonds. Like the Eternal Flow, the dial is bereft of indices, and slim gold leaf-shaped hands indicate the hours and minutes.

All four models share the in-house automatic calibre 2460, which has a 40-hour power reserve and is certified Hallmark of Geneva. To mark the occasion, the 22k gold rotor is engraved with waves.

Availabililty & Price

The four watches are limited editions of 15 pieces each, all presented on an alligator leather strap with a gold folding clasp matching the case. The price is upon request.

For more information, please consult vacheron-constantin.com.