What do Ottoman architecture, Chinese embroidery, Indian manuscripts and French lacework have in common? The absolutely intoxicating Métiers d’Art Fableux Ornements collection from the incomparable Vacheron Constantin, that’s what.
Indeed, for the 2016 edition of the SIHH the only Manufacture in continuous production for the past 260 years drew together the decorative arts of several diverse cultures in, yet, another elaborate collection of four ladies watches all set to the rhythm of an ethereal skeletonised and hand-engraved movement, the ultra-thin Calibre 1003.
Now on its 60th year, Calibre 1003 was originally conceived by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1955 but is now made by Vacheron Constantin proving once again that when something is done right, it can quite possibly last for a very long time.
The first of the four ladies watches is called “Indian manuscript,” which was created from the time honored alliance of Grand Feu champlevé enameling and hand engraving.
The second, the “Ottoman architecture” timepiece is defined by hand chamfering, purple mother-of-pearl base and a gold grid work studded with half-pearl beads.
The piece called “French lacework” on the other hand is the third model and is adorned with a translucent hand-guilloché Grand Feu enamelled dial. The base of the gold dial is clad in a guilloché motif lending subtle depth to the transparent enamel and set with garnet-colored sapphires and diamonds.
Last but certainly not least is the fourth timepiece called “Chinese embroidery.” It is crafted in white gold according to the stone- cloisonné technique with jade and is adorned with a dial sculpted from mother-of-pearl, which features a pink opal shaped according to the glyptic art and complimented by finely hand engraved gold leaves and pistils.
Flawless and unparalleled in every respect, these exquisite ladies watches from the Métiers d’Art Fabuleux Ornements collection all come in the very feminine size of 37 mm in diameter in cases of either white of pink gold.
Flawless and unparalleled in every respect, these exquisite ladies watches from the Métiers d’Art Fabuleux Ornements collection all come in the very feminine size of 37 mm in diameter in cases of either white of pink gold. Each watch is matched to either a purple/burgundy/pink or red Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with square scales, depending on the model. Best of all, the Indian Manuscript, Ottoman Architecture, French Lacework and Chinese Embroidery watches are all limited to only 20 pieces each significantly adding to their ethereal allure.
