Vacheron Constantin has introduced a new series of timepieces that captures the enduring human fascination with the cosmos. The Métiers d'Art Tribute to The Celestial collection comprises twelve distinct references, each a meticulously crafted homage to one of the zodiac constellations. This series is a profound exploration of artistic crafts and high watchmaking, merging ancient celestial symbolism with contemporary horological expertise. It is a direct continuation of the Maison's long-established dialogue between the technical precision of timekeeping and the expressive beauty of the decorative arts, a conversation that began with the firm's inception in 1755.
The history of Vacheron Constantin is interwoven with the pursuit of complex and aesthetically refined timepieces. Since Jean-Marc Vacheron established his workshop in the heart of Geneva, the company has consistently demonstrated a prowess for creating watches with astronomical indications. This legacy is not merely technical; it is also deeply artistic. The Maison has a rich heritage of incorporating celestial themes, including the zodiac, into its creations. This can be seen in historical pieces like the 1927 Art Deco table clock made with Verger Frères and more recent collections like the 'Legend of the Chinese Zodiac'. The Métiers d'Art Tribute to The Celestial series builds upon this foundation, taking inspiration from a singular 2021 Les Cabinotiers piece and expanding its singular concept into a full, breathtaking collection that celebrates the Western zodiac.
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Visually, the watches are a spectacle of deep, celestial blue and brilliant light. The primary impression is one of gazing into a clear, star-filled night sky. Housed in a 39mm 18K white gold case, the timepieces possess a commanding yet refined presence on the wrist. The bezel, lugs, and even the crown are meticulously set with a vibrant array of baguette-cut blue sapphires. These gems, totaling approximately 3.87 carats, are not merely decorative accents; they are integral to the watch's design narrative, framing the dial with a continuous, uninterrupted band of deep blue light that mirrors the dial's color palette and enhances its cosmic theme. The choice of channel-setting for the bezel sapphires is particularly noteworthy, as it creates a seamless circle of color, making the stones appear as if they are floating, a testament to the gem-setter's skill.
At the center of this horological universe is the dial, a canvas where Vacheron Constantin's artisans have unleashed their full creative power. Each of the twelve dials is a miniature masterpiece, featuring a hand-guilloché representation of a zodiac sign and its corresponding constellation. The background is a rich, sunburst-finished blue, evoking the vastness of space. Upon this cosmic stage, the principal stars of each constellation are represented by brilliant-cut diamonds, meticulously set to twinkle against the dark expanse. The intricacy of the work is staggering, representing a confluence of multiple artistic disciplines requiring immense patience and precision from each craftsman involved.
The creation of each dial is a complex, eight-step process, a carefully choreographed dance of artisanal skill. It begins with a thin disc of 18K 5N gold, upon which the outlines of the zodiac sign and constellation are marked. After a sunburst finish is applied, the four signs representing human figures—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius—receive delicate opaline details. The master guillocheur then undertakes the painstaking task of engraving the zodiac figure, a process that can take up to 16 hours of focused effort. Only then is the aperture for the tourbillon carefully cut. Following this, the signature blue color is applied, and the dial is machined to reveal the gold base in a fine tracery of lines, defining the constellation's map. A protective varnish is applied before the final details, including the minute and seconds tracks, the Vacheron Constantin name, the applied white gold Maltese Cross emblem, and finally, the diamond "stars," are added.
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The guilloché work on these dials transcends traditional decorative patterns. Vacheron Constantin has employed a proprietary technique known as figurative guilloché drawing. Developed by the Maison's own master guillocheur, this method transforms the craft into a true figurative art form. It involves the creation of countless tiny triangles, each engraved by hand with a dense pattern of straight lines. Each triangle is angled differently from its neighbors, and their collective arrangement forms the intricate and detailed image of the zodiac animal or figure. This innovative approach requires not only immense technical skill but also an artistic eye to bring the mythological figures to life with depth and texture.
The gem-setting is equally masterful, showcasing the expertise of Vacheron Constantin's in-house métiers d’art workshop. Beyond the case, the artistry extends to the dark blue alligator leather strap's folding clasp, which is itself set with 16 baguette-cut sapphires. The entire process of setting the 96 sapphires on the case, crown, lugs, and buckle takes a dedicated gem-setter around 27 hours to complete. The use of different setting techniques, such as the channel setting on the bezel and grain-setting for the dial's diamonds, is chosen specifically to maximize the brilliance and visual impact of each stone, demonstrating a thoughtful and holistic approach to the watch's design.
Beneath the artistic dial beats the heart of a true Haute Horlogerie creation: the Calibre 2160. This self-winding tourbillon movement is a marvel of micro-engineering and a testament to Vacheron Constantin's long-standing mastery of ultra-thin complications. Comprising 188 components, the entire calibre measures a mere 5.65 mm in thickness. This slim profile allows the 39mm case to maintain its elegant proportions, demonstrating the Maison's philosophy that technical prowess and aesthetic refinement are inextricably linked. The pursuit of thinness is not merely for record-setting, but for achieving a harmonious and wearable timepiece.
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The Calibre 2160 operates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour) and provides a generous power reserve of approximately 80 hours. The hours and minutes are displayed centrally, while the small seconds are indicated by the mesmerizing rotation of the tourbillon carriage at the 6 o'clock position. The tourbillon itself is a work of art, with its hand-polished bar and Maltese Cross-shaped cage. A heat-blued fastening screw provides a striking point of contrast. Winding is accomplished via a 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight, an ingenious solution that allows for an unobstructed view of the movement's exquisite finishing through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback.
The finishing of the movement is, as expected from Vacheron Constantin, executed to the highest possible standard. The mainplate is decorated with perlage, while the bridges feature hand-bevelled edges and a classic Côtes de Genève pattern. Every component, down to the smallest screw, is chamfered and polished by hand. This dedication to finishing is not just for beauty's sake; it is a core tenet of fine watchmaking that contributes to the movement's longevity and performance. The presence of the prestigious Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal) on each watch serves as an independent guarantee of the movement's provenance, precision, and the superlative quality of its decoration and construction.
The thematic core of the collection is a celebration of the zodiac, that celestial belt through which the Sun appears to travel over the course of a year. The origins of these constellations trace back to ancient Mesopotamia, where astronomers first identified these star patterns and imbued them with mythological significance. These stories were later adopted and expanded upon by Greek and Roman civilizations, creating the rich tapestry of lore we know today. Vacheron Constantin skillfully evokes this history, recognizing the ancient and intimate connection between astronomy, the science of celestial phenomena, and astrology, its poetic interpretation. Until the 17th century, these two disciplines were often intertwined, practiced by great minds like Galileo and Kepler.
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This collection represents a new chapter in Vacheron Constantin's exploration of celestial themes. As Sandrine Donguy, the Maison's Product & Innovation Director, explains, the series perfectly expresses the essence of the brand by giving "equal value to Haute Horlogerie and the decorative crafts." The decision to combine the zodiac signs with their constellations was a deliberate one, allowing the Maison to "bring these elements together in a different way of expressing the beauty of the night sky." This approach honors both the scientific nature of timekeeping and the romantic mystery that has always drawn humanity's gaze upward.
The case of each watch in the Métiers d'Art Tribute to The Celestial series is crafted from 18K white gold, measuring 39 mm in diameter and a slender 10.7 mm in thickness. This housing is water-resistant to a pressure of 3 bar, equivalent to approximately 30 meters, and features a transparent sapphire crystal caseback to showcase the Calibre 2160. The combination of polished white gold and the deep blue of the sapphires creates a striking contrast that is both luxurious and sophisticated.
The dial is adorned with 18K white gold applied hour-markers that feature a distinctive ribbed texture, echoing the linear geometry of the baguette sapphires and the fine lines of the guilloché work. The hour and minute hands are bi-faceted and sword-shaped, also crafted from 18K white gold, ensuring excellent legibility against the complex dial without detracting from its artistry. A railway minute-track provides a classic horological touch at the dial's periphery.
Each timepiece is fitted with a dark blue alligator leather strap that perfectly complements the dial and sapphire accents. The strap features an alligator lining for comfort and is secured by an 18K white gold folding clasp. This clasp is not an afterthought; it is itself a piece of jewelry, meticulously set with 16 baguette-cut sapphires, ensuring the watch's aesthetic continuity from case to closure.
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The innovative spirit of the collection is highlighted by the figurative guilloché technique. It represents a significant evolution of a traditional craft, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a watch dial. This commitment to advancing artisanal skills while honoring their history is a cornerstone of Vacheron Constantin's identity. It demonstrates a dynamic approach to heritage, where preservation is achieved not through static replication, but through continuous exploration and development.
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Tribute to The Celestial collection is produced in very limited quantities, befitting its artistic and technical complexity. These extraordinary timepieces are not available through regular retail channels. Instead, they are offered exclusively through Vacheron Constantin's own boutiques worldwide, ensuring a personal and dedicated experience for the discerning clients who wish to acquire a piece of this celestial ode. The pricing reflects the immense amount of skilled labor, precious materials, and horological innovation contained within each watch, placing them in the upper echelon of haute horlogerie.
Case: 18K white gold; 39 mm in diameter, 10.7 mm thick. Set with 96 baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel, lugs and crown (~ 3.87 cts). Transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Water-resistance tested at 3 bar (approx. 30 metres).
Movement: Calibre 2160; mechanical self-winding with peripheral rotor. Tourbillon complication. 5.65 mm thick, ~80 hours power reserve, 2.5 Hz (18,000 vph), 188 components, 30 jewels. Indicates hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage.
Dial: 5N gold base with hand-guilloché motif of a zodiac sign and its constellation. Stars are set with brilliant-cut diamonds. 18K white gold applied hour-markers and Maltese Cross. 18K white gold hands.
Strap: Dark blue alligator leather with alligator lining. 18K white gold folding clasp set with 16 baguette-cut sapphires (~ 0.53 cts).
Price: Price on request.
Reference Number: Aries (6007A/000G-H042), Taurus (6007A/000G-H043), Gemini (6007A/000G-H044), Cancer (6007A/000G-H045), Leo (6007A/000G-H046), Virgo (6007A/000G-H047), Libra (6007A/000G-H048), Scorpio (6007A/000G-H049), Sagittarius (6007A/000G-H050), Capricorn (6007A/000G-H051), Aquarius (6007A/000G-H052), and Pisces (6007A/000G-H053)
Notes: 'Poinçon de Genève' certified. The collection features an innovative figurative guilloché drawing technique. Limited production available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.