Vacheron Constatin has made no secret that this is a banner year for them. As the world’s oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer continues to celebrate turning 270-years young, horology fans have been so spoilt by the Swiss watchmaker’s creative output that have almost run out of adjectives to describe what they’ve seen.
Today, on the actual 270th anniversary of the company, a new masterpiece has been unveiled: the Métiers d’Art – Tribute to the Quest of Time. This double-sided, limited-edition timepiece, with only 20 pieces available, is a fusion of technical innovation and artistic craftsmanship, paying homage to the brand’s enduring pursuit of horological excellence since its founding in 1755.
At the heart of this creation is the new manually wound Calibre 3670, a movement three years in the making and the subject of four patent applications. Its most captivating feature is a bi-retrograde time display, where a three-dimensional titanium figure serves as the central focal point. The figure’s arms act as hour and minute hands, offering a choice between a continuous ‘active’ mode or an ‘on-demand’ display, where the hands remain at rest until a pusher is activated.
The dial is a work of art in itself. The intricate titanium figure is set against a deep blue fumé sapphire crystal celestial dome, depicting the constellations as they appeared over Geneva on the brand’s founding date, September 17, 1755. The dial also features a double retrograde power reserve indicator and a three-dimensional precision moon phase, adding layers of complexity to the visual narrative.
Flipping the 43mm white gold case reveals an equally stunning sight: a sky chart on the reverse side that accurately tracks the constellations in real-time. This celestial display is a technical marvel, with a reported accuracy of just one day of variation over 9,130 years.
With its Poinçon de Genève certification, the Métiers d’Art – Tribute to the Quest of Time stands as a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of watchmaking. A horological marvel is a fitting tribute to the brand’s rich history and its endless quest to master time. The watch will be available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
