With the Year of the Rabbit just around the corner, you might what to think about what it brings. The Year of the Rabbit represents longevity, prosperity, and patience, and those born within the Year of the Rabbit are destined to be witty, quick-minded, and vigilant. Adhering to the strong attributes of the Rabbit, Vacheron Constantin has debuted a new timepiece: Métiers D’Art, The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac — Year of the Rabbit.
In 2023, they have an enchanting template in the form of the hare, bringing the symbolic furry animal to life in a variety of forms on dials of the limited special editions. In this particular piece, the maison has turned its eye on the eastern zodiac, with a tribute to the rabbit, but also with a tribute to Chinese papercraft. The watch is inspired by the Chinese paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi, which Vacheron Constantin’s engravers and enamelers have reinterpreted on the dial. The designs are engraved directly onto the metal with gradual, accentuated reliefs that create the effect of depth. The dial is then treated with Grand Feu enameling—a traditional technique that uses enamel powders that are subjected to very high temperatures, fusing them to the metal and creating rich colors.
The Métiers d’Art the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rabbit comes in a 40mm platinum or pink gold case and combines excellent craftsmanship with the mechanical digital indications of the self-winding manufacture caliber 2460 G4, which has a power reserver of 40 hours and is intricately comprised of over 180 unique parts and over 25 jewels. Hours, minutes, the weekday, and the date are displayed through four windows on the periphery of the dial.
The focal point of the timepiece is the rabbit that rests in the center of the dial with an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and details, brought to life by master engravers and enamellers. The novelty comes in two colorways: a sophisticated burnt orange complemented with pink gold and a lavish range of blue hues paired with platinum. In addition, each is fitted with a sleek alligator strap that enhances the colors of the individual dials.
There are no hands on the watch. Instead, the hours, minutes, day, and date are displayed through small apertures around the dial. This lets the zodiac design take most of the attention, and gives you something to stare at as you count down to the new year.
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rabbit is a limited series of 9 pieces per reference and is only available at Vacheron Constantin Boutiques. Discover Opulent Club on Apple news.