Vacheron Constantin - Métiers d’Art La Symbolique des Laques. A Showcase Calibre. A Showcase Collection.

Vacheron Constantin unveil images of the three designs which will form the last of the exquisite Métiers d’Art La Symbolique des Laques.  We first featured the collection back in 2010, and even though Vacheron Constantin are guardians of the applied arts and traditional horological techniques, it was considered to be an artistically challenging collection  from the beginning and rightly so.

"Maki-e", an ancient Japanese lacquering art is used on each piece, not just on the dial, but also on the caseback - a delicate and sophisticated procedure. The method  involves sprinkling gold or silver dust over still-wet lacquer.    Not suprisingly each set of three watches released by Vacheron Constantin over a period of three years is strictly limited to 20 pieces.

The last set of three styles honour both the beauty of the seasons and the "Japanese tradition of contemplation".  The pieces are named Hanami, Tsukimi and Yukimi and each portrays an admirable scene - Spring cherry blossom, an Autumnal full moon and Winter snowflakes.

Each is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an ultra-slim 40mm case.  Inside is the 1003SQ , the world's thinnest hand-wound movement, created by Vacheron Constantin, stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva and meticulously finished by the brand's Master Craftsmen and women - some of the best in the industry.  The calibre has been crafted from  18-carat gold then treated with ruthenium to compliment the unusual dials.  The hand-finishing techniques used include engraving, chamfering and straightgraining.   This is a showcase calibre for a showcase collection.

The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art La Symbolique des Laques for 2012 is the last staged release in the collection, all three designs will each be produced in a 20 piece limited edition.

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