These limited-edition Vacheron Constantin watches pay tribute to ancient Chinese culture

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin is paying tribute to ancient Chinese culture with its new Metiers d’Art – Tribute to Traditional Symbols series. Four limited-edition watches honour the Seawater Cliff, which emerged as a decorative symbol from the Ming and Qing dynasties back in the 14th century.  

The collection was created in close collaboration with Mr Song, the former associate research librarian of the Palace Museum housed in Beijing’s Forbidden City. The Seawater Cliff symbol is steeped in imperial traditions – present on courtly architectural elements, furniture and porcelain as well as on ceremonial robes of Chinese emperors.

All four models are housed in a 38mm diameter case. There are two Eternal Flow models that interpret the symbol through a colourful aesthetic, created with cloisonne enamel, a technique that originated in China.

The Eternal Flow models – which come in 18k pink or white gold cases –  feature a colourful mountain standing against crashing blue waves. Over 200 gold wires were used to trace the design, which required over 50 hours to shape, followed by layer after layer of enamel, with a kiln firing between each layer.

A final polish highlights the gold cloisonne, followed by a translucent enamel coating that gives the dial a unique glow. The bezel is hand-engraved with a bat motif, inspired by the similar pronunciations of “bat” and “happiness” in Chinese.

The Moonlight Slivers models recreate the Seawater Cliff motif in a monochrome palette. Crafted in 18K white or pink gold, the dial features hollowed waves, blue enamelled parts and raised diamond-set sections for the mountain area. The master artisan used a blend of techniques to create this composition, endowing the motif with a subtle yet distinctive aesthetic. 

The sea is created with blue Grand Feu enamel and then engraved by hand with volutes. The furrows are filled in with white enamel to make the sea looks like it is in motion.

Each sea tide is delicately hand-set with brilliant-cut diamonds to exude an ashen moonlight gleam. The mountains and cliffs are meticulously engraved with tone-on-tone champleve enamel inlays.

All four models are powered by the in-house automatic calibre 2460, which has a 40-hour power reserve. As a fitting touch, the 22k gold rotor is engraved with waves.