The New Vacheron Constantin The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac “Year of the Goat”

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Lunar New Year in February 2027 will usher in the Year of the Goat, the eighth animal of the twelve-year cycle. To mark the occasion, Vacheron Constantin pays tribute to the Year of the Goat with two watches that unite technical ingenuity and artistic craftsmanship. A sophisticated hands-free display with four apertures, powered by the in-house calibre 2460 G4, leaves plenty of space for the relief engraving, micro-painting and Grand Feu enamel employed to represent the Year of the Goat.

Vacheron Constantin has maintained ties with China since 1846, when it sent 33 pairs of watches to Canton, marking the beginning of a long relationship that included commissions from Chinese dignitaries. Some of these bespoke watches were sold in pairs and decorated with engraving, enamel and precious stones. The relationship continues today at Vacheron with the release of special models, and since 2012, the celebration of the Chinese zodiac with its Métiers d’Art watches. Long valued in Chinese culture, the goat symbolises strength and quiet resilience, as well as gentleness, loyalty and good fortune.

Presented in 40mm cases with a thickness of 12.72mm, these two 25-piece limited editions in 18k pink gold or platinum depict a realistic, three-dimensional figure of a proud goat perched on a rock surveying the landscape. A master engraver hand-sculpts the goat and rock in white or pink gold, then uses relief engraving to create fine details like the goat’s horns and fur. The misty landscape is created with multi-coloured Grand Feu enamel, featuring a subtle gradient and miniature-painted enamel for the foliage. Applied in successive layers with a fine brush, the dial plate is fired in a kiln – a two-week process that is repeated until the desired colours and intensity of tone are achieved. The four apertures are also painted in colours to match the dial details.

Visible on the caseback, the in-house automatic calibre 2460 G4 displays trailing hours and minutes in the two apertures at 11 and 2 o’clock and jumping days of the week and date in the two lower apertures. Fitted with an openworked 22k yellow gold rotor with the polished Maltese Cross, the movement has a 40-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency. The Hallmark of Geneva engraved on one of the bridges attests to the calibre’s technical values and the quality of its finishing.

The watches are paired with alligator leather straps and pink gold or platinum folding clasps. Again, each case material is limited to 25 pieces. Price is upon request. More information at vacheronconstantin.com.