To celebrate the Chinese year of Monkey, Swiss luxury replica watch maker Vacheron Constantin presents a special edition timepiece from its Métiers d’Art La légende du zodiaque chinois series with the sign of the monkey. The latter will take over from that of the goat at the Chinese New Year on February 8th 2016. Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, these two new creations, realised in twelve models each, combine the technical excellence of Caliber 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.
China, a nation with which Vacheron Constantin has been cultivating special relation since 1845, first introduce the paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi, a popular art echoed in Swiss culture through its famous Scherenschnitt paper-cutting. This artistic approach, highlighted in the Métiers d’Art La légende du zodiaque chinois, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.
The foliage motif appearing on the dial and based on classic Chinese iconography is etched directly in the metal. The pattern remains semi-embedded and stands out from its gold base by a subtle stage-setting of variously accentuating reliefs creating a depth effect. This makes the vegetation appear to be floating over the dial.
Then comes the stage of Grand Feu enamelling, a technique invented in Geneva and that remains the preserve of a very few particularly skilled artisans. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist enhances the intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. The monkey, made of platinum or gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial centre.
Caliber 2460 G4 makes it possible to create a distinctive and ideal stage-setting for the decorative arts, by giving the central dial motif a starring role. The hands-free time display is achieved through four apertures showing the hours, minutes, days and dates. These indications – the first two of the dragging variety and the last two of the jumping type – proudly embody the longstanding savoir-faire of the Maison in designing and developing original displays.
Clearly visible through the sapphire crystal back of the platinum or pink gold case, the 22-carat oscillating weight is adorned with a recurrent Maltese Cross pattern testifying to finishes performed in keeping with the finest replica watchmaking traditions. All movement components are indeed finely finished in accordance with the criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva, a quality label of which Vacheron Constantin is the most faithful representative.
Technical details
Model: Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac 2016, year of the monkey
References
86073/000P-8972 – Platinum
86073/000R-8971 – 18K 5N pink gold
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
Movement
Caliber 2460 G4
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
31 mm (11’’’¼) diameter, 6.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
237 components
27 jewels
Indications
Hours, minutes, day of the week and date in apertures
Case
Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 12.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)
Dial
18K gold, hand-engraved and Grand Feu enamelled
Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N gold monkey
Strap
Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp
Platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Accessories
Delivered with a corrector pen, a magnifying glass and a dedicated brochure to better showcase the craftsmanship and the technicality behind these creations
Rarity
Limited series of 12 pieces per reference; “2016” engraved on the back of each timepiece