Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Chinese Zodiac - Year of the Rabbit

Vacheron Constantin is pursuing its dialogue with collectors and passionate devotees of Haute Horlogerie by enriching its Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac with the sign of the rabbit. “Demure as a maiden, quick as a rabbit”: this old Chinese saying is an appropriate interpretation of rabbit in Chinese cultural cognition, perfectly signifying the highly incisive and agile image of this zodiac sign. Symbolising graciousness, kindness and benevolence in traditional Chinese culture, the rabbit will take over from the tiger at the Chinese New Year on 22 January 2023.Two new creations, issued in limited series of 9 each, combine the technical excellence of Calibre 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.

Paper-cutting, at the crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures

China, a nation with which Vacheron Constantin has been cultivating special ties 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 The legend of the Chinese zodiac, has been given a fresh interpretation thanks to the expertise of the master engravers and enamellers.

Allied artistic crafts

The vegetal motifs appearing on the dial and based on classic Chinese iconography are 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, an ancestral technique 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. 

Achieving the necessary mastery of colour and of reactions to firing at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Celsius calls for an expertise that can only be acquired over long years of experience. The animal, made of platinum or pink gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial centre.

A movement that leaves plenty of space for artistic expression

Calibre 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 features a decor inspired by the Maltese cross emblem. 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 specifications

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

Reference: 86073/000P-B932

Reference: 86073/000R-B933

Limited edition of 9 pieces each

Case

• Material: Platinum or 18K 5N pink gold
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Thickness: 12.72 mm
• Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3bar (approx.30 meters)

Dial 

• 18K gold, hand-engraved, Grand Feu enamelled
• Hand-engraved platinum/18K 5N pink gold rabbit

Movement

• Calibre 2460 G4
• Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
• Mechanical, self-winding movement
• Diameter: 31 mm (11¼’’’)
• Thickness: 6.05 mm
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
• Number of parts: 237
• Number of jewels: 27
• Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
• Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes
• Day of the week and date in apertures

Strap and buckle

• Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
• Platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

MSRP: Price on request

For more information, please visit vacheron-constantin.com