Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Traditional Chinese Symbols

Charles d’Ancona

August 9, 2024

Vacheron Constantin Unveils Limited-Edition Métiers d’Art Watches Honoring Traditional Chinese Symbols

Vacheron Constantin has introduced a new series of limited-edition watches, the Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Traditional Symbols, developed in collaboration with Mr. Song, the Former Associate Research Librarian of Beijing’s Palace Museum in the Forbidden City. This collection, featuring four unique timepieces, pays homage to ancient Chinese culture through the “Seawater Cliff” motif, a decorative symbol from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The watches, housed in 38 mm 18K pink or white gold cases and powered by the in-house Calibre 2460, highlight Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to blending artistic craftsmanship with cultural heritage. The “Seawater Cliff” motif, which first emerged in the 14th century, represents wave-lashed cliffs and is a significant symbol in Imperial Chinese culture. Under the guidance of Mr. Song, who specializes in Chinese symbolism, Vacheron Constantin artisans reinterpreted this motif in two distinct ways for the new series.

Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin, explained the inspiration behind the series: “The Vacheron Constantin design department wanted to explore traditional Chinese symbolism for this new Métiers d’Art series. The aim was to complement the existing offer often found on watch dials celebrating Chinese New Year. The decoration of ancient imperial palaces and the court’s ceremonial robes offered some interesting avenues to explore, as confirmed by the contacts established with Mr. Song.”

A Cultural Collaboration

The Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Traditional Symbols collection delves into the history of China’s last two Imperial dynasties, the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The “Seawater Cliff” motif, a key element in this series, was traditionally featured in imperial court decor, including architecture, furniture, porcelain, and ceremonial robes. This motif symbolizes stability and longevity, with waves crashing against cliffs representing the emperor’s resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Mr. Song, who provided extensive documentation and expert advice, was instrumental in helping Vacheron Constantin’s artisans accurately depict this ancient motif on the watch dials. The detailed craftsmanship reflects the cultural significance of the “Seawater Cliff” in Chinese tradition.

An Ode to Craftsmanship

At the heart of the 38 mm case is the Calibre 2460, selected for its aesthetic appeal and compact dimensions. The movement’s design integrates seamlessly with the dial, allowing the symbolism of the motif to stand out. The 22K gold rotor, intricately engraved with wave and tide motifs, further enhances the connection to the watch’s theme.

Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Traditional Symbols – Eternal Flow

This version of the “Seawater Cliff” motif features cloisonné enamelling and engraving. The watch depicts mountains and tidal waves under a starry sky, a scene inspired by traditional Chinese ornamentation. The cloisonné enamelling process, which originated in China, involves laying 220 gold wires to form the motif, a task that takes over 50 hours to complete. The enamelling process itself requires another 70 hours to achieve the vibrant tones, followed by a final polish to highlight the gold cloisonné work.

The bezel of this model is hand-engraved with a bat motif, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture.

Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Traditional Symbols – Moonlight Slivers

This second interpretation of the “Seawater Cliff” motif focuses on creating depth with a monochrome base. The dial, crafted in 18K white or pink gold, is divided into three parts. The sea is represented by deep-blue Grand Feu enamel, while the waves are hand-engraved and filled with white enamel to create a sense of motion. The sea tides are adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, evoking the gleam of moonlight. The bezel is also set with brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a final touch of elegance to this intricate timepiece.

Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Traditional Symbols series showcases the Maison’s mastery of artistic craftsmanship while honoring the rich cultural heritage of Imperial China.

For more information, please visit Vacheron-Constantin.com.