Vacheron Constantin’s

THE EXTRAORDINARY ME CAN I QUE SSA UV AGES COLLECTION

The Extraordinary Mécaniques Sauvages Collection

Bespoke Vacheron Constantin timepieces have been at the forefront of the discerning watch collector’s experience since 1755. From countless components fashioned on the Rhône, guilloche and enameled dials, and astronomical and grand strike complications, to the 2015 unveiling of Ref. 57260 (the world’s most complicated timepiece), with 57 horological complications, the Maison’s tradition of excellence has been embodied in the brand’s Atelier Cabinotiers special order workshop. Vacheron Constantin’s tradition of hand-finished personalized timepieces continues with bespoke services for watch cases, movement/ complications, dial/hands, and strap/bracelets. This year Atelier Cabinotiers reveal an unprecedented collection of wild animal (‘’animaux suavages’’) adorned dials and/or case timepieces named Mécaniques Sauvages. Three dimensional as they are, the falcon, goat, lynx, cobra, rhinoceros, and elephant were all chosen by artisans for symbolic value and to further demonstrate the power of the art form.

Mécaniques Sauvages is a collection of 20 in-house manufacture artisanal favorites. Buyers were able to acquire certified pieces that were literally one-of-a-kind without the wait. Upscale Living takes a look.

First up is the Vacheron Constantin Armillary Tourbuillon Serpent. A jaw-dropping six patents have been filed for because of the retrograde hour and minute indicators on the right side of the watch. Armillary uses six-double axis tourbuillon with an escape wheel made entirely of silicon.

One the left side of the watch is Vachercon Constantin’s iconic symbol. The 45mm red gold case is a delicately-wrought hand-engraved snake wraps around the outside of the case.

Next is the Les Cabinotiers Calibre 2755 Eagle. With a red gold case, the timepiece is complete with a minute repeater, tourbuillon, perpetual calendar and power reserve indicator. The ornament detail of the case flanks are engraved with a stunning eagle. The delicate pounced ornament engraving uses the intaglio fine line technique to remove material to create reliefs and bring light to the artwork.

Hand-decorated enamel dials come in a number of different techniques. There’s champlevé (enamel placed in shallow metals surfaces), cloisonné (enamel in outlined gold wire), plique-à-jour (for stained glass effect), and the ultra-rare Blanc de Limoges.

Vacheron Constantin’s work in Grand Feu Grisaille utilizes a coating technique that coats a gold dial blank with a dark brown, black, or blue layer of enamel with a rare white enamel applied over it called Blanc de Limoges—which, by the way, is no longer available for purchase. Six pieces featuring six different animals complete this set. Individual hairs on each animal are so life like they seem to lift from the timepieces themselves.

The Geneva-sealed Automatic Caliber 2460 SC becomes visible when the owner opens the white gold officer’s case back on the back of the watch, which can also be personalized with engraving, or guilloche. This watch is perfectly proportioned, measuring only 9.2 mm in height. In the end, Atelier Cabinotiers special order workshop and their extraordinary Mécaniques Sauvages collection take the brand’s motto “Faire mieux si possible, ce qui est toujours possible (Do better if possible, and that is always possible)” to new heights.