Some of the most sophisticated timepieces issued from the beginning of this year are certainly Métiers d’Art “La Symbolique des Laques”.
This is the second set of the Vacheron Constantin series of the exceptional timepieces that are created as an embodiment of a delicate relation between East and West. These pieces combine the best of two worlds: western watchmaking tradition and sublime eastern aesthetics. Art and the craftsmanship blend together in the Métiers d’Art “La Symbolique des Laques”, a series born of the encounter between the men of one of the oldest Japanese lacquer firms – Zohiko, located in Kyoto since its founding in 1661 – and those of Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watchmaker. The inspiration is an artistic vision of a timepiece as a cultural bridge between countries.
The breathtaking decorations are made using the maki-e technique, which consists of creating a design by sprinkling gold or silver dust over lacquer – usually black – while it is still wet. The lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, which originates from the high plateaus of central Asia and Tibet, but today grows only in certain regions of China, Vietnam and Japan.
The first set of “La Symbolique des Laques” series is issued three years ago, and each year followed with a new set of three watches in a limited edition of twenty. This year, the “Kame Kaeru Koi” watches depict scenes from the aquatic realm, and different animals selected from the vast symbolic heritage of Far Eastern artistic traditions. Three animals, the turtle, frog and carp, symbolize longevity, luck and strength. It took 4 months to paint each of the dials. This is a limited series of 20 sets per year, each containing three watches.
The watches are animated by the ultra-thin Calibre 1003, made in 18-carat gold. The movement bears the Poinçon de Genève (The Geneva Seal), which is the quality seal of the Geneva School of Horology and a hallmark for exquisite finishing and decoration. This is the world’s thinnest hand-wound mechanical movement, which is only 1.64 mm thick. Movement, as well as the generous decoration, is visible through the sapphire crystals.
Turtle (Kame) and Lotus Watch – in Japanese culture, turtle is a symbol of longevity, patience and authority. The pattern of turtle’s shell is a sign of good luck. Associated with lotus flower, it celebrates purity.
Frog (Kaeru) and Hydrangea Watch – in the eastern culture, the frog is the symbol of returning and faithfulness. It is associated with prosperity, and protects the person from danger and bad luck. The hydrangea depicts symbolizes patience, calmness and serenity.
Carp (Koi) and Waterfall Watch – this animal is a symbol of courage and determination, success and good fortune. Its association with waterfalls symbolizes strength and willpower.
Métiers d’Art – La Symbolique des Laques, Technical specifications
References
33222/000G-9550 – Carp and Waterfall
33222/000R-9546 – Frog and Hydrangea
33222/000R-9548 – Turtle and Lotus
Movement
Calibre1003 SQ, openworked, 18K gold, ruthenium coated, Stamped with the Poinçon de Genève, Mechanical hand-wound, thickness1.64 mm, diameter 21.10 mm, 18 jewels, 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour), approx. 30 hours of power reserve, Indications: hours, minutes
Cases
18K white gold
18K 4N pink gold
Diameter
40 mm
Water resistance
Tested at a pressure of 3 BAR (equivalent to 30 meters)
Dials
Double dials: 18K gold lacquered using the Japanese maki-e technique
Strap
Black Mississipiensis alligator leather, large square scales
Buckle
Pin buckle in 18K white gold or 18K 4N pink gold
Polished half Maltese cross
Author: Marina Milojevic
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