Vacheron Constantin (VC) has introduced the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Celestial – a series of 12 watches – each “dedicated to” a zodiac sign. Each version features a hand-finished guilloché dial with diamond stars, an ultra-thin tourbillon movement, and a case and folding clasp adorned with baguette-cut sapphires.
Key Features
Functions
Image: Scorpio. The constellation in each version is highlighted by its principal stars, depicted by brilliant-cut diamonds. An elegant and gorgeous watch.
Hours and minutes. Small seconds on tourbillon carriage. Tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Dial
Image: The dials use a technique known as figurative guilloché drawing. “The innovative technique, which calls for great dexterity and precision, involves the creation of a multitude of hand-guilloché triangles formed of densely packed straight lines, with each triangle set at a different angle from its neighbours. To create just one zodiac sign requires approximately 16 hours of intense and conscientious work.”
12 dial versions featuring a unique “hand-guilloché motif depicting each of the 12 zodiac signs and corresponding constellation.”
Dials are made from a 18K 5N gold base. They feature a sunburst finish. The stars are set using brilliant-cut diamonds. Bi-faceted and sword-shaped hour and minute hands are made from 18K white gold. Applied hour-markers with a ribbed texture are made from 18K white gold. The Maltese Cross – the brand’s emblem – is made from 18K white gold. Railway-style minute track on outer dial.
From left: Aquarius. (My personal favourite. No guesses why.) Gemini. Virgo. Sagittarius.
The above 4 zodiac signs represented by human figures also feature opaline details on their respective dials.
Case
Image: A masterclass in gem-setting.
Case is made from 18K white gold.
Diameter: 39 mm. Thickness: 10.70 mm.
Left “On the bezel, the choice of channel-setting, in which the stones are held between two parallel tracks with no metal separating them, gives the impression that the sapphires are floating, to create an uninterrupted circle of light around the dial.” Right: Notice the 18K white gold folding clasp adorned with baguette-cut sapphires.
The bezel, lugs, and crown are set with 96 baguette-cut sapphires – approximately 3.87 carats.
Dial side and caseback feature a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 3 bar or approximately 30 metres.
Each version comes with a dark blue alligator leather strap with alligator lining. It is fitted to an 18K white gold folding clasp set with 16 baguette-cut sapphires – approximately 0.53 carats.
Movement
Image: The 22K gold peripheral automatic winding rotor allows a clear view of the beautifully finished movement.
Powered by calibre 2160, a mechanical automatic movement that was designed and crafted by VC. It drives the hours, minutes, small seconds, and tourbillon.
Left: “Perlage on the mainplate is complemented by hand-bevelled bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève, circular-grained wheels and chamfered and polished screws.” Right: “On the dial side, a heat-blued fastening screw contrasts with a hand-polished tourbillon bar and Maltese Cross-shaped tourbillon cage.”
Diameter: 31 mm or 13 ½ lignes. Thickness: 5.65 mm. Parts: 188. Jewels: 30. Frequency: 2.5 Hz or 18,000 vph. Power reserve: Approximately 80 hours.
Our Thoughts
Image: VC is renowned for its tourbillons. Notice the Maltese Cross-shaped tourbillon cage and the hand-polishing on the tourbillon bar.
Vacheron Constantin has been on a roll lately. Its a special year for them as they celebrate their 270th birthday. Their ability to unveil grand complications and ultra grand complications in sequence is unprecedented. The Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication – La Première, Overseas Grand Complication Openface, and the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface might give nightmares to other brands.
Image: A beautiful masterpiece comes together.
As if these were not enough, VC delights by unveiling the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Celestial series of 12 watches. A masterclass in combining hand-finished guilloché dials, a beautifully finished tourbillon movement, and masterful gem-setting, each zodiac version joins VC’s Métiers d’Art collection as a future icon.
Additional Details
Name: Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Celestial
References:
6007A/000G-H042 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Aries
6007A/000G-H043 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Taurus
6007A/000G-H044 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Gemini
6007A/000G-H045 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Cancer
6007A/000G-H046 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Leo
6007A/000G-H047 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Virgo
6007A/000G-H048 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Libra
6007A/000G-H049 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Scorpio
6007A/000G-H050 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Sagittarius
6007A/000G-H051 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Capricorn
6007A/000G-H052 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Aquarius
6007A/000G-H053 Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial – Pisces
Each reference is hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève or Geneva Seal.
Limited production.
Price: Upon request.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
