Vacheron Constantin is expressing its artistic side this summer with a pair of creations in its Metiers d’Art collection, decorated in a typically high-concept design and bearing a lofty title: Tribute to Traditional Symbols. In this case, the symbols pay homage to an iconic element of Chinese culture, the seawater cliff, a decorative motif specific to the imperial court of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The wave-lashed-cliffs theme shows up repeatedly in Chinese art, sculpture, architecture and other objets d’art.
Vacheron’s artisans have created two decorative models with dials showing stylized sea waves washing up against sharp cliffs. On one rendition, the waves are depicted with rows of diamonds glowing in moonlight, and on the other, with cloisonné enameling in colors that represent vegetation on the cliffs.
The Moonlight Slivers Model
The Moonlight Slivers model from Vacheron Constantin’s Tribute to Traditional Symbols collection is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. It is the only watch in history to depict surging ocean waves made entirely of diamonds. The intent is to make the waves reflect the glow of moonlight, hence the name. Dark blue grand feu enamel sets the backdrop, with the cliffs crafted from tone-on-tone champlevé enamel inlays.
On the 18k red gold version, the cliffs are red gold colored. In the 18k gold model, they are silver. Diamond-set bezels frame the scene on both models.
The Eternal Flow Model
The cloisonné enameled piece, Eternal Flow, is another graphically strong addition to the collection. It adds vibrant colors that create a dynamic sense of movement. The method used to create this piece is a tribute to a craft that originated in China, where cloisonné enamel was known as Jingtai Blue. The dial creation requires meticulous effort: 220 gold wires are laid out on the dial for the composition, a process that takes 50 hours. Another 70 hours are dedicated to the enameling process.
The bezel on the Eternal Flow piece is engraved with a stylized bat motif, an eccentric yet meaningful choice. In Chinese culture, the word for ‘bat’ shares its pronunciation with ‘happiness’, and five bats often represent the Five Good Fortunes: longevity, wealth, stability, virtue, and happiness.
Each model comes in white and pink gold 39 mm cases, with 15 in each metal, totaling 60 pieces. They are powered by the automatic caliber 2460 with a 40-hour power reserve. The seawater cliff motif is also delicately engraved on the 24k gold rotor on the back. Price on request.
