Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, has debuted the latest chapter in its métiers d’art series.
Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin (the divine time) explores the perception of time through nine one-of-a-kind creations, inspired by Ancient Greece, Asia and Japan.
For the first chapter, which explores Asian culture, Vacheron Constantin has selected four sacred animals from Asian tradition to represent the seasons: the Azure Dragon for spring; the Vermilion Bird for summer; the White Tiger for autumn; and the Black Tortoise for winter.
Housed in 42mm white or pink gold cases, each unique piece is powered by the ultra-thin automatic calibre 2160 with a peripheral rotor. Their wood marquetry dials, meanwhile, are punctuated by the ballet of the tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Next, two unique pieces explore Greek mythology and the Greek God Chronos. Both one-off designs are driven by the calibre 1990, kitted out with a double retrograde time display and bi-axial tourbillon with a spherical hairspring.
One version of the movement has an anthracite colour and is decorated with hand-guilloché clous de Paris, while the other is blue with a hand-guilloché geometric pattern. The engraving on the 45mm gold cases is inspired by ancient Greek friezes.
The final chapter draws on the divinities of Shintoism, Japan’s native belief system, Izinagi, Konohanasakuya-hime and Amaterasu, with intricate engravings, enamelling and miniature painting.
The 36mm models Ode to Konohanasakuya-hime and Ode to Amaterasu are powered by the automatic calibre 1440. The 40mm Ode to Izanagi has a white gold case with an officer caseback revealing the automatic 2460 calibre.
Like this? Discover our Winter 2024 cover story with NIKI
Want more? Sign up to our newsletter
