Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac – Year of the rabbit

Source:  Images and content by Vacheron Constantin

Launch on 5 November 2022

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.     

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TECHNICAL DATA

Métiers d’Art The legend of the Chinese zodiac – Year of the rabbit

Reference                                                
86073/000P-B932
86073/000R-B933      

Calibre                                                       
2460 G4
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
31 mm (11¼’’’) diameter, 6.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
237 components
27 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces

Indications
Hours, minutes, day of the week and date in apertures

Case                                                           
Platinum/18K 5N pink gold
40 mm diameter, 12.72 mm thick
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                                         

Straps                                    
Dark blue/brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales

Clasp                       
Platinum/18K 5N pink gold folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

Accessories                          
Delivered with a corrector pen

Limited series of 9 pieces per reference.

Pieces only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.