Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom: Six Artistic Crafts on the Wrist

A Fusion of Art and Horology

Vacheron Constantin has long been celebrated for its mastery in artistic watchmaking, frequently employing engraving, enamelling, guilloché, and other heritage crafts to turn dials into miniature canvases. With the new Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom collection, part of the Maison’s “One of Not Many Crafts Programme,” the brand collaborates with six independent artists, each contributing a distinct discipline to create animal-inspired compositions.

The challenge lies in adapting these techniques to the limited space of a 42mm wristwatch. Between the dial and the sapphire crystal, there is only a few millimeters of room, forcing artisans to rethink their methods and sometimes invent new tools for such fine scale work. The result is a series of six watches that, while unified under the theme of the animal kingdom, offer radically different visual and tactile experiences.

The Six Artistic Interpretations

Feathersnake

Feathersnake employs miniature featherwork to craft a three-dimensional serpent. Tiny feathers are meticulously arranged to create texture and depth, giving the snake a lifelike appearance that plays with light.

Glassoctopus

Glassoctopus centers on a hand-sculpted glass octopus. The artist shapes molten glass into delicate tentacles, capturing the fluidity and grace of the creature in a solid yet fragile form.

Oraygami

Oraygami draws from the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, but on a microscopic scale. Six miniature manta rays are folded from a single sheet of paper, each no larger than a fingernail, showcasing precision and patience.

Tigerbroidery

Tigerbroidery combines gold embroidery with silk to depict a tiger scene. Metallic threads and lustrous silk create a rich, textured portrait that shimmers with every movement of the wrist.

Papercroc

Papercroc is a white-on-white composition using embossed and cut paper to form a crocodile. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the play of light and shadow across the paper’s raised surfaces.

Woodenwings

Woodenwings uses miniature marquetry, assembling dozens of wood species to create a decorative scene. The natural grains and hues of the wood produce a warm, organic image that changes with the angle of view.

Shared Case and Movement

All six watches share the same case dimensions and movement. The 42mm case, 12.9mm thick, is available in either 18k white gold or 18k 5N pink gold, depending on the model. The heart of the watch is the in-house Calibre 2460 G4, an automatic movement frequently used in Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art creations. This movement displays the hours, minutes, day, and date through four apertures positioned around the dial’s periphery, leaving the center completely free for the artistic composition.

Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement features a 22k gold oscillating weight, hand-engraved with motifs inspired by the tools used by the six artisans. Each watch is paired with a calfskin strap that features embossed decoration echoing elements of its respective dial.

Technical Specifications

Case: 42mm diameter x 12.9mm thick – 18k white gold or 18k 5N pink gold – sapphire caseback – 30m water-resistance
Dial: Six different artistic compositions – featherwork, glass sculpting, micro-origami, gold embroidery, paper sculpting, or wood marquetry – hours, minutes, day, and date via four apertures
Movement: In-house Calibre 2460 G4 – automatic – 31mm x 6.05mm – 237 components, 27 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 40-hour power reserve – 22k gold hand-engraved oscillating weight
Strap: Calfskin with embossed decoration matching each dial
References: 7630A/000G-H206 Feathersnake, 7630A/000R-H205 Glassoctopus, 7630A/000G-H204 Oraygami, 7630A/000G-H207 Tigerbroidery, 7630A/000R-H202 Papercroc, 7630A/000R-H203 Woodenwings
Availability: Six concept watches; production and commercial availability not disclosed
Price: Upon request

Buying and Authenticity Notes

As with any high-end timepiece, it is crucial to purchase from authorized dealers or directly from the brand to ensure authenticity. The Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom series is a limited artistic endeavor, so availability may be extremely restricted. Collectors should be aware that the intricate craftsmanship and unique materials make these watches highly sought after, and the price reflects the artistry involved.

For those interested in similar artistic watches, consider exploring other Métiers d’Art collections from Vacheron Constantin, which often feature innovative dial techniques. Always verify the movement’s serial number and request the original papers and box when purchasing pre-owned.