In a confluence of artistry, history, and horological mastery, Vacheron Constantin has introduced a new series of four limited-edition timepieces that tribute ancient Chinese culture. A cultural tribute with the representation of the ‘Seawater Cliff’ motif, a decorative symbol specific to the imperial court of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The creative expression of the Maison’s profound attachment to the world of artistic crafts and culture through its master artisans. This tradition is evident in collections like the Explorer Naturalists, which featured four timepieces inspired by the English ship Beagle, and special editions created in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The creation of these timepieces was a labor of love, conducted in close collaboration with Mr. Song, the Former Associate Research Librarian of the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City. His profound knowledge of Chinese history and symbolism guided Vacheron Constantin’s artisans in capturing the essence of the “Seawater Cliff” motif. This design, rich in cultural significance, depicts towering cliffs standing firm against the relentless tides, a symbol of the emperor’s enduring strength and stability.
Housed in a 38 mm diameter case in 18K pink or white gold, powered by Calibre 2460 driving central hours and minutes hands, these dials provide a forceful, beautiful expression of Chinese cultural symbolism. The “Seawater Cliff” motif is brought to life using the ancient art of cloisonné enameling, a technique deeply rooted in Chinese craftsmanship. This intricate method involves creating compartments with fine gold wires filled with enamel. The process is thorough, requiring over 50 hours to shape the motif and an additional 70 hours to achieve the vivid, rich tones that define the final piece. The result is a vibrant depiction of wave-lashed cliffs set against a starry night sky, with the peaks bordered by ginger bud-shaped vegetation—an homage to traditional Chinese ornamentation.
For the first Métiers d’Art Tribute to Traditional Symbols Eternal flow timepiece which showcases the Maison’s expertise in cloisonné enamelling. This intricate technique, originating in China, involves the meticulous placement of 220 gold wires to outline the “Seawater Cliff” motif. The enamel, applied in layers and fired multiple times, creates a vibrant, colorful depiction of wave-lashed cliffs against a starry night sky. The mountains, carved with meticulous detail, rise above the tide, their depth enhanced by champlevé enamel inlays and drypoint engraving. Vacheron Constantin meticulously attached 220 gold wires to the dial, a process taking 50 hours, followed by 70 hours dedicated to crafting the colorful enamel dial through painting, firing, and polishing. Available in a limited edition of 15 pieces each, the Eternal Flow watches are cased in a 38 mm case in either 18K pink or white gold
The second version, dubbed “Moonlight Silvers,” features a more subdued color palette but is equally intricate in its decoration. Crafted in 18K white or pink gold, the dial features a blend of Grand Feu enamelling, engraving, and gem-setting techniques. The deep blue enamel, applied in layers, creates a textured sea, while hand-set diamonds evoke the glimmer of moonlight on the waves. The mountains, carved with meticulous detail, rise above the tide, their depth enhanced by champlevé enamel inlays and drypoint engraving. The sparkling 239 brilliant-cut diamonds adorning the sea tides on the dial exude an ashen moonlight gleam, echoed by the setting of the bezel entirely adorned with 74 brilliant-cut diamonds. The total number of diamonds on the dial and the bezel is 313 diamonds, totaling approximately a minimum of 0.9 guaranteed carats. Also available in a limited edition of 15 pieces each, the Moonlight Slivers watches are cased in a 38 mm case in either 18K pink or white gold.
The Métiers d’Art—Tribute to Traditional Symbols series stands as a shining example of Vacheron Constantin’s ability to blend horological excellence with cultural expression.