New: Highlights from Vacheron Constantin releases for W&W Shanghai

Kicking off the Watches & Wonders 2023 Shanghai with a big bang, we start with Vacheron Constantin. VC released a slew of novelties for the show. Here are our picks and highlights, with releases in the Traditionnelle and Métiers d’Art.

New: Highlights from Vacheron Constantin releases for Watches & Wonders Shanghai

VC Traditionnelle manual winding in pink gold case and green dial

The Traditionnelle collection is expanded with two new models featuring a green sunburst dial in a pink gold case. Many consider this to be an excellent couple watch, as the first model is in 38mm and the second in 33mm diamond set. Both house manual winding calibers.

The 38mm model, Ref. 82172/000R-H008 houses the Calibre 4400 AS. While the 33mm model, Ref. 1405T/000R-H009 houses the Calibre 1440. Both are in-house developed and manufactured by VC.

VC Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Collection Year of the Dragon

Continuing their tradition for Métiers d’Art pieces in the Chinese Zodiac, VC has announced the new Year of the Dragon. The Dragon will close this latest 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The basis for the Métiers d’Art pieces have always been the exceptional Caliber 2460 G4 that has been the workhorse and powerhouse behind most of the works in this collection. For the Year of the Dragon, two novelties are announced, both limited to 25 pieces each.

The novelties use two of the maison’s crafts – engraving and enamelling – within an elegant 40 mm case in 950 platinum or 18K 5N pink gold. Central to this watch is the dragon which is crafted unfurls its mystical aura while grasping a pearl which is hand-engraved in 950 platinum or 18K 5N pink gold over a background which is grand feu enamel decorated with a dreamlike motif of air flows and clouds, inspired by traditional Chinese artistic motifs. 

The platinum version features a deep blue Grand Feu enamel dial, while the pink gold version features a brown Grand Feu enamel dial. Both in 40mm cases.

VC Métiers d’Art Tribute to Explorer Naturalists

And yet another fabulous addition of the already fabulous VC Métiers d’Art collection. This time paying tribute the Explorer Naturalists. Four new models are announced, each limited to 10 pieces. This is VC’s ode to exploration.

All four will use the the Calibre 1120 AT/1 with the wandering satellite hours, the other movement that VC uses in their Métiers d’Art collection.

The new series comprise of 4 novelties in tribute to the adventures of the great ship Beagle. The series are:

• the exploration to Cape Verde in January 1832. Ref. 7500U/000G-B991 Cap-Vert is 41mm in white gold case with a two part tableau. The upper part of the dial comprise the engraving and enamelling combine in tracing the silhouette of the Beagle. And on the lower part displaying the hours and minutes is graced with a naturalist scene in which bouquets of flowers burst forth and blossom in the shade of luxuriant foliage, reproduced by the enamelling artisan.
• the Straits of Megellan in 1833 and 1834. Ref. 7500U/000R-B992 Détroit de Magellan is also in a 41mm but pink gold case with the same two part tableau. The upper a fine white gold engraving depicting the Beagle sailing on blue-enamelled waves. And the lower shows grand feau enamel foliage.
• the Tierra del Feugo in 1833 and 1834. Ref. 7500U/000G-B993 Terre de Feu is in a 41mm white gold case with the upper dial features an engraving depicting a 3D butterfly and two birds standing out against a background adorned with miniature paintings. On the lower part of the dial, an ancient terrestrial map of Tierra del Fuego is reproduced in miniature enamel, along with a windrose.
• the Cape of Good Hope in 1836. Ref. 7500U/000R-B994 Cap de Bonne-Espérance is in a 41mm pink gold case. On the upper part of the dial, the combined talents of the engraver and enameller create a landscape resembling a Garden of Eden, just as the naturalists observed when they stopped off at the Cape of Good Hope. The delicate plumage of the birds perched amid the foliage is matched by the languid silhouette of an iguana.

As the watches are already in Singapore as we publish this article, we have secured a photography session and will present a selection as full reviews later. Watch this space!