Vacheron Constantin explores the decorative arts of several cultures and invites watch enthusiasts to celebrate the ornamental beauties of the world at this year’s edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, SIHH 2016. Two years after its first unveiling, the "Métiers D’Art Fabuleux Ornements" collection gives life to four new designs based on the art of openworking and a fusion of signature Genevan artistic crafts.

Ottoman architecture, Chinese embroidery, Indian manuscripts and French lacework see the light in these creations, which are supplied with a hand-engraved movement featuring an 18-carat gold calibre ultra-thin 1003.

To highlight the exceptional know-how of traditional arts, the “Indian manuscript” piece has at its heart, a fusion of Grand Feu enameling and hand engraving, while the “Ottoman architecture” watch stands out by the hand chamfering, natural white mother-of-pearl base and gold grid work studded with half-pearl beads.

The “French lacework” model features a translucent guilloché enameled dial and for a subtle depth, the gold dial’s base is adorned with a guilloché motif and set with garnet-colored sapphires and diamonds. The fourth timepiece “Chinese embroidery” mixes between pink gold and jade according to the cloisonné technique. The dial is sculpted from mother-of-pearl and features a pink opal shape reminiscent of the glyptic art, complimented by delicately hand-engraved gold leaves.       

For 260 years, artistic crafts have been one of Vacheron Constantin’s many creative and inspiration sources, always enhancing the beauty of its creations in the most perfect way.

Scroll through the Photo Gallery to take a closer look at these marvels.

 

Mirella Haddad