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Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Year of the Rat

Marina Milojević | 10.29.19 | 02:08 AM

Vacheron Constantin is adding a new timepiece to The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection. The new model features a dial adorned with the sign of the rat, one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Rat, a symbol of vitality and intelligence, will take over from the pig at the Chinese New Year, on January 20th 2020. To mark the occasion, Vacheron Constantin presents two new creations, created in twelve models each.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat

Thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers, The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Collection is giving a new interpretation to the Chinese traditional paper-cutting technique named Jianzhi. The foliage motif gracing the dial is inspired by classic Chinese iconography. The pattern is etched directly in the metal, standing out from its gold base and creating a depth effect. The delicate hand-engraved leaves appear to be floating over the dial.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat

The dial is painted using the ancient Grand Feu enameling technique. By applying the enamel in successive layers, and firing at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius, the master enameller increases the intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. The essential motif, a figure of a rat, is hand engraved from platinum or pink-gold and applied to the dial center.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Year of the Rat watch is powered by the Calibre 2460 G4, which makes it possible for the artists to express their visions by putting the central dial motif in the spotlight. In other words, this is a hands-free time display, with four apertures showing the hours minutes, days and dates. The hour and minutes indicators are dragging, while the remaining two are jumping- type. The exquisite movement is equipped with the 22-carat openworked oscillating weight shaped like the Maison’s emblematic Maltese cross.  Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, this automatic movement provides around 40 hours of power reserve.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Year of the Rat is available in two distinct variants, each limited to 12 exemplars. The first one is a platinum timepiece, while the other is pink gold. Both are 40mm in diameter and water resistant to 30 meters. The watch is paired with a matching (blue or brown) alligator leather strap and secured to the wrist with a matching (platinum or gold) folding clasp.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat
These limited edition pieces are only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.
References: 86073/000P-B521 & 86073/000R-B520. Price upon request. For more information, please visit vacheron-constantin.com.

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