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Vacheron Constantin the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake

Marina Milojević | 10.31.12 | 07:48 AM

Vacheron Constantin presents The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac, which is a series of high-end timepieces inspired by the symbolic of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese astrological signs. The Legend begins with the Year of the Snake, symbolizing the cyclic nature of time, refinement and seduction.

The new Vacheron Constantin Year of the Snake timepiece presents a modern union of the traditional artistic crafts of engraving and enameling inspired by the traditional art of Chinese paper-cutting technique, also known as Jiazhi. Chinese paper-cutting is traditionally used as a form of decoration for doors and windows, mirrors, lamps and lanterns, and it is based on the principle of symmetry where the basic cut outs create a single image forming a symmetrical design. The magnificent dial of the Year of the Snake repeats a leaf motif which is etched directly in the metal. The semi-embedded pattern stands out from the golden base of the dial and appears like almost floating above its surface. The snake engraving, which appears on the center of the dial as the main motif of the composition, requires no less than 30 hours of work. It emerges from the Grand Feu enamell background, which is created by applying the enamel in successive layers until the visual intensity of blue or bronze-toned dial reaches the vivid perfection.

Vacheron Constantin the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake Snake Engraving

What is truly interesting about this watch is that it features a hands-free display of time. The hour, the minutes, the day and the date are all shown through one of the four apertures appearing on the dial. The first two indications are of the dragging kind, and the former two are equipped with a jumping mechanism.

Vacheron Constantin the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake Platinum

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake is offered in two versions - crafted from platinum or from pink gold. Both models are sculptured in 40mm case-diameter and powered by an in-house movement: Caliber 2460 G4. The mechanical self-winding mechanism is built on 237 componets and 27 jewels, providing about 40 hours of power reserve. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour, driving the functions for hours, minutes, date and the day. The mechanism is finished in the spirit of haute horlogerie, and it is visible from the back side of the case, where the transparent sapphire crystal serves as a see-through window, revealing the Hallmark of Geneva.

Vacheron Constantin the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake Pink Gold

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake is water resistant to 30 meters and mounted on a dark blue or brown Mississippiensis alligator strap (depending on the variant) with platinum or pink gold folding clasp. Each model is produced in a limited edition of only 12 pieces, bearing "2013" inscription engraved on the back. Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac/b> is available from Vacheron Constantin Boutiques exclusively.

Vacheron Constantin the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake Enameling

Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake watch reference numbers:

86073/000P-9752 - Platinum

86073/000R-9751 - Pink gold

Vacheron Constantin the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake Embedding the Snake

Author: Marina Milojević

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