Interview - Vacheron Constantin: Métiers D’Art Tribute To The Celestial
Tradition Meets Innovation
PRESS RELEASE | 491 WORDS | 5 MINUTE READ
A series of 12 references featuring hand-guilloché and diamond set dials, each dedicated to a specific constellation and its associated zodiac sign
Uniting Haute Horlogerie with artistic savoir-faire, the Métiers d’Art series features an ultra-thin self-winding manufacture movement, Calibre 2160
An 18K white gold case set with baguette-cut sapphires to highlight the rich blue of the dial
Photo Courtesy: Vacheron Constantin
INTERVIEW WITH SANDRINE DONGUY, PRODUCT & INNOVATION DIRECTOR
In what ways does the Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial series best illustrate Vacheron Constantin’s values and expertise?
When he founded the Maison in 1755, Jean-Marc Vacheron took a particular approach to watchmaking, as he considered technical excellence to be intrinsically linked to aesthetics, in terms not only of the dial and case but also the form and finishing of the internal components. This approach still defines Vacheron Constantin today and, by giving equal value to Haute Horlogerie and the decorative crafts, these watches truly express the essence of the Maison. In addition to the artistic decoration of these watches, the slimness of Calibre 2160 exemplifies the way that our watchmakers synthesise technicality and beauty: the technical challenge lies in the need for smaller and finer components, while the aesthetics are honoured by the proportions of the slim case that a thin calibre makes possible.
Vacheron Constantin has a distinguished legacy in displaying both Western and Chinese zodiac signs. What was the reason for combining the zodiac signs with the constellations for these pieces?
Given the technical and mathematical nature of timekeeping, Vacheron Constantin is naturally aligned with astronomy, and yet we also appreciate the poetic nature of astrology, with its sense of mystery and romance. Until the time of Galileo, astrology and astronomy were regarded as a single science – that of observing and analysing celestial phenomena, which is the very foundation of time measurement. Métiers d’Art Tribute to The Celestial series has enabled us to bring these elements together in a different way of expressing the beauty of the night sky.
How do the métiers d’art chosen for these watches represent the Maison’s commitment to preserving tradition while constantly innovating?
Vacheron Constantin created its in-house Métiers d’Art workshop not only to help preserve this savoir-faire but also to support the artisans in innovating, exploring and developing new techniques. The figurative guilloché technique used on these dials is an excellent illustration of how this approach encourages the continuing evolution of traditional crafts. It was developed by Vacheron Constantin’s master guillocheur and goes beyond the abstract patterns of classical guillochage to become a decorative art form in its own right. For the gem-setting, our master gem setter has employed different techniques for different elements, each chosen to enhance the brilliance of the stones according to their cut and their position on the piece: channel setting on the bezel creates the impression of an uninterrupted circle of sapphires, while the brilliant-cut diamonds that represent the stars on the dial were grain-set from the reverse side.
For further information visit vacheron-constantin.com