Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Tribute To Great Explorers Zhang He Expedition Ref. 47070/000J-9084

Barely a year before its 250th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin unveiled a horological marvel confirming that its centuries of continuous activity have not in the least dulled the enterprising spirit or dimmed the creative spark of the world’s oldest watch manufacturer, in uninterrupted activity ever since its inception. Wedding craftsmanship of the highest order and inventive horological techniques, this Patrimony design is dedicated to some of history’s foremost explorers and voyagers, four larger-than-life figures in the exploration of our planet. The Portuguese navigator Fernand de Magellan and the Chinese mariner Zheng He are the first two figures in the series to be saluted by Vacheron Constantin. The present model is dedicated to Zheng He (Cheng Ho), admiral of one of the most powerful fleets in history. It comprised 62 huge multimasted junks and 100 lesser vessels, carrying nearly 30,000 men. In addition to the crew, the fleet included scientists, State officials and interpreters in all the languages spoken along the coastline of the Indian Ocean, from Vietnamese to Arabic.