Vacheron Constantin's Creative Journey Through the Animal Kingdom

Vacheron Constantin's Animal Kingdom Collection

Vacheron Constantin has introduced a captivating series of six concept watches under its 'One of Not Many Crafts' initiative. Titled Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom, this collection pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking by incorporating unexpected crafts such as origami, glassblowing, and paper embossing. Each timepiece is a unique creation, showcasing the brand's commitment to artistic innovation.

The Six Unique Pieces

The collection includes Feathersnake, Glassoctopus, Oraygami, Tigerbroidery, Papercroc, and Woodenwings. Each watch is named after its animal subject and the craft used to depict it, resulting in a whimsical yet sophisticated lineup.

Initial Observations

As one-off concept pieces, these watches are not about practicality but about showcasing extraordinary skill. While all are visually striking, some stand out more than others. Papercroc, with its embossed paper dial, is particularly charming, though one might wish for a 'paper tiger' variant. Tigerbroidery, on the other hand, is arguably the most impressive, combining intricate gold embroidery with exceptional detail.

Tigerbroidery: A Masterpiece in Gold

The Tigerbroidery watch is the centerpiece of the collection. Its dial features a tiger crafted from 9-carat yellow and white gold threads, embroidered onto a base of green silk and cotton. The technique, known as goldwork, has roots in Asia and survives today in Switzerland. Some threads are wrapped with silk for color, while others are copper wires coated in ceramic, adding a modern twist to this ancient craft. The tiger's eyes and nose are woven with dyed silk, and the entire face is draped over a brass form to create depth.

Feathersnake: A Mythical Creature Realized

Feathersnake draws inspiration from the feathered serpents of Mesoamerican mythology, though the watch depicts a bush viper using feathers from the Himalayan monal, a bird native to Nepal. The artisan used just seven feathers, cutting them into about 200 pieces and gluing them onto a silk paper substrate to form the snake's scales. The substrate is then attached to a brass structure, with enamelled gold eyes adding life. The watch is finished with a strap embossed with foliage, allowing the viper to hide in plain sight.

Papercroc and Glassoctopus: Mundane Materials, Extraordinary Results

Papercroc features a crocodile motif embossed on 300 GSM cotton paper, with apertures for the time and date displays. This dial is quick and cost-effective to produce, yet it is no less effective visually. The watch is paired with an embossed calf leather strap, ensuring no crocodiles were harmed.

Glassoctopus, as the name suggests, depicts a glass octopus, a creature that lives at depths of 900 meters. The octopus is formed free-hand from molten glass and placed on an 18k gold base with a blue treatment to evoke the ocean. The technique is primitive yet delicate, using only a propane torch and low-temperature glass.

Woodenwings and Oraygami: Craftsmanship in Wood and Paper

Woodenwings showcases marquetry, the art of constructing images from wood veneer. The dial features a falcon made from 12 different woods, including figured birch, spalted horse chestnut, and smoked oak. The process is painstaking, requiring careful cutting and gluing, but the result is a stunning miniature painting.

Oraygami is perhaps the most accessible of the crafts, as it uses micro-origami manta rays made from paper. These tiny figures are folded using fingernails and a wooden tool, then mounted on brass pins of varying heights on an engine-turned gold dial base. The blue-tinted crystal adds to the oceanic theme.

Movement and Specifications

All six watches are powered by the cal. 2460 G4 automatic movement, which features window-based displays for the day and date. This movement is ideal for heavily decorated dials but is over 20 years old and somewhat thick. The 22k gold rotor is hand-engraved with the tools used to create the dials, adding a personal touch.

Each watch has a 42mm case in 18k pink or white gold, a sapphire crystal, and a water resistance of 30 meters. The power reserve is 40 hours, and the frequency is 28,800 beats per hour.

Availability and Pricing

These are one-of-a-kind concept watches, available only at Vacheron Constantin boutiques. Prices are available upon request, and each piece is a limited edition of one.

Buying Tips and Authenticity Notes

When considering a unique piece like this, it's essential to verify authenticity through official Vacheron Constantin channels. Given the rarity, potential buyers should be prepared for a significant investment and may want to explore the brand's other Métiers d'Art collections for more accessible options.