Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Fabuleux Ornements Chinese Embroidery Ref. 33580/000R-9904

The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Fabuleux Ornements series was launched at SIHH 2014 and consists of four watches celebrating the ornamental beauties of the world drawn from the decorative arts of several different cultures. Crafted in pink gold according to the cloisonné technique, the dial of the present model is carpeted with flowers in rubies, cuprites and garnets. Like the silk thread Chinese embroideries embellished with precious fabrics, the graceful elegance of the stones cut and sculpted according to the glyptic art are adorned with finely engraved gold leaves and pistils. Concern for detail taken to extremes, as epitomised in the veins of the plants and the rounded shape of the petals, endow this ornamentation with a fascinating depth effect. The particularly delicate ruby engraving is a true challenge. The pink opals are individually cut and lapped to form a tapestry of stones on a dial prepared for this purpose with barely 0.5 mm thin white gold partitions. The impressive finesse of the work accomplished by the master lapidaries and engravers pays a vibrant tribute to the traditional art of embroidery exercised for millennia in China.