AN ODE TO THE NIGHT SKY
Driven by the Manufacture’s ultra-thin, self-winding Calibre 2160, the 12 references of the Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial series are each dedicated to a zodiac constellation and associated astrological sign, rendered with contemporary sensibility using traditional techniques including hand-guilloché diamond-set dials.
The origins
Since the dawn of time, mankind has been fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the night sky. The 12 zodiac constellations recognised in Western astrology are those that lie along the apparent path of the Sun across the sky as seen from Earth, and carry a rich symbolism accumulated since Antiquity.
DISCOVER THE 12 ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS
Figurative guilloché drawing
The innovative technique, which calls for great dexterity and absolute precision, involves the creation of innumerable hand-guilloché triangles, each densely packed with straight lines and set at a different angle from its neighbours. Engraving just one zodiac sign demands some 16 hours of intense and conscientious work.
Gem-setting
Intensifying the blue of the dial and highlighting the gem-setting expertise of Vacheron Constantin’s in-house métiers d’art workshop, a total of 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires (~4.41 carats) are set into the bezel, crown, lugs and buckle, a task that takes the gem-setter 27 hours.
A FINELY CRAFTED ULTRA-THIN TOURBILLON MOVEMENT
Comprising 188 parts, the self-winding tourbillon Calibre 2160 is just 5.65 mm thick – a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s mastery of ultra-thin movements with complications and the Maison’s continual pursuit of mechanical and aesthetic elegance. Operating at 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour), the calibre displays hours and minutes, with small seconds indicated by the tourbillon carriage.
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