Geneva – Vacheron Constantin, the esteemed Swiss watchmaker with a legacy spanning nearly 270 years, pays homage to its historical ties with China through the unveiling of the Les Cabinotiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon watch. This exceptional timepiece, presented at The Londoner Macao, showcases the Maison’s craftsmanship, technical mastery, and a groundbreaking approach to design.
Historical Ties with China
With roots reaching back to the mid-19th century, when Vacheron Constantin established the first commercial connections with China, the country became a significant destination for the Maison. The Les Cabinotiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon watch, celebrating this enduring relationship, boasts a green grisaille enamel dial—a pioneering feature for Vacheron Constantin. The backdrop sets the stage for a mythical five-clawed imperial dragon, a symbol of power, nobility, and good fortune. The timepiece is driven by the Manufacture Calibre 1120, recognized as one of the thinnest self-winding movements ever crafted, and embellished with baguette-cut diamonds.
Vacheron Constantin and Asia
Les Cabinotiers – Récits de Voyages, an artistic horological odyssey depicting historical stages in the Maison’s expansion, enriches Vacheron Constantin’s human adventure. The collection, reflecting on various continents and their cultures, includes a dedicated timepiece for China. The Maison’s significant presence in the country dates back to the 19th century, establishing Vacheron Constantin as one of the preferred European artisans.
Green Grisaille Enamel: A First for Vacheron Constantin
A remarkable feature of the Les Cabinotiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon watch is the green grisaille enamel dial. The master artisan at Vacheron Constantin employed a novel grisaille enamelling technique, enhancing the mythical dragon motif. Symbolizing wisdom, the dragon is intricately portrayed against layers of enamel, with a pearl—an emblem of wisdom. The application of Limoges white enamel on a dark enamel base, fired layer by layer, achieves a play of chiaroscuro, adding depth to the motif. A departure from tradition, the Maison’s master enameller introduced a green tint to the translucent enamel, intensifying the mythical allure.
Gemsetting and Grisaille Enamel Fusion
A groundbreaking facet of this timepiece is the fusion of grisaille enamel with gemsetting. The 40 mm case in 18K white gold is meticulously adorned with 146 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel, middle, and lugs, totaling 7.1 carats. The crown is gracefully embellished with a reverse-set brilliant-cut diamond. Complementing the ensemble is a dark green alligator leather strap featuring a white gold pin buckle set with 16 baguette-cut diamonds.
Calibre 1120: A Legendary Ultra-Thin Movement
The Les Cabinotiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon watch stands out for its elegant silhouette, housing the legendary Calibre 1120. Crafted in 1968, and redesigned in 2010, this ultra-thin movement measures a mere 2.45 mm in thickness. A testament to Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to technical sophistication and elegant design, the Calibre 1120 is adorned with a gold oscillating weight shaped like a Maltese cross. The movement, featuring 144 components, a 40-hour power reserve, and the Hallmark of Geneva certification, powers the watch’s leaf-shaped hands.
Les Cabinotiers Récits de Voyages Series
The Les Cabinotiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon is part of the Les Cabinotiers Récits de Voyages series, embodying Vacheron Constantin’s enduring spirit of openness to the world. Each one-of-a-kind timepiece in the collection narrates the Maison’s odyssey through different continents, celebrating its international expansion since the 19th century.
In summary, Vacheron Constantin presents a horological masterpiece that pays tribute to China and its longstanding relationship with the Maison. The Les Cabinotiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon is a harmonious blend of artistic craftsmanship, technical prowess, and historical significance, reaffirming Vacheron Constantin’s position as a beacon of excellence in the world of haute horlogerie.
