Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Les Univers Infinis Fish Ref. 86222/000G-9685

Launched at SIHH 2012, the 'Les Univers Infinis' represented a new addition to the Métiers d'Art series, inspired by the work of the Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher. The watches in this collection represent an exceptional alliance between the artistic crafts cultivated by the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin: engraving, enamelling, gemsetting and guilloché work. Subtly graded shades of blue and grey form a shoal of intertwining fish. Born from an association between guilloché work and cloisonné enamelling, this “Métiers d’Art – Les Univers Infinis” watch is inspired by a work by Maurits Cornelis Escher. The pattern is cut out from a white gold dial base and the eyes of the fish are meticulously engraved. The guillocheur then forms tenth of a millimetre symmetrical motifs, while displaying extreme dexterity and genuine artistic sensitivity. Parallel curves accentuate the head, tail and fins, while the body of the fish is covered with shiny scales. The enameller marks out the outline of the motifs using a fine gold wire to separate the various enamel colours, a process known as cloisonné enamelling. The enamel is finally placed in each fish and fired in an oven at a very high temperature, an operation that the artisan will repeat several times in order to intensify the colour. The last firing is followed by a lapping/polishing operation designed to position the partition wires on the same level as the enamelling, and glazing – meaning applying a layer of varnish – that give the dial a radiant glow.