Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Fabuleux Ornements Indian Manuscript Ref. 33580/000R-9959

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. The present is watch is framed by a pink gold case topped by a diamond-set bezel, ten vibrant enamel colours blossom on the dial. These shimmering shades form oriental-inspired flowers blooming against a blue sky. The master-enameller has expressed the vivacity and richness of Indian illustrations through a profusion of intense enamels surrounding the openworked calibre, like the floral motifs decorating the margins of ancient oriental writings. The contours of its décor are first traced using the champlevé technique to create cavities separated by thin gold partitions in order to apply the enamels. These ten different hues represent a daunting challenge in terms of mastering the successive firings, a process that calls for a true alchemist’s skill. The foliage, which is meticulously hand-engraved after enamelling, heightens the radiance of the watch and echoes the engraving of the openworked calibre. This is one of the most delicate stages, since even the slightest slip of the hand can jeopardise the entire creation.