Égérie self-winding
A watch for every day, for every evening, for every moment. Available in a self-winding version in 18K 5N rose gold or steel, this timepiece captures the spirit of the times.
The 35 mm pebble-shaped case is crowned with a slender bezel overstitched with 58 diamonds. Extended by integrated lugs, it is punctuated between 1 and 2 o’clock by a crown adorned with a cabochon-cut moonstone, of which the soft shade melds flawlessly into the overall aesthetic. The dial sets the stage for a delicate opaline silver work of art inspired by the world of Haute Couture: composed of concentric circles, its centre and periphery are graced with a pleated pattern. Developed after several months of testing, this decoration was created in the Manufacture’s guillochage workshop using the historical “tapestry” technique. By dint of lengthy long and extremely subtle operations, the artisan adjusts the gears of a 1904 pantograph-type machine in order to reproduce a large format motif in a miniature version on the dial. The expertly wielded tip of the burin, regularly sharpened by the artisan, gives rise to the draped-effect motif of the Égérie dial. Specially designed for the collection, the calligraphic numerals evoke fine embroidery, while the leaf-type hours and minutes hands recall the fine needles used by the nimble fingers at work in Haute Couture ateliers. In a signature touch, the date appearing in a circle rimmed with diamonds draws on the tradition of Vacheron Constantin’s off-centre displays.
A bold move for this versatile watch, escorted by three interchangeable leather straps for the 18K 5N pink gold version. The steel model is paired with a polished metal bracelet designed to ensure an extremely flowing look and feel. Both slim and graceful, it sits so incredibly lightly on the wrist, like a second skin, that the wearer can easily forget it is even there.
Beating behind the scenes is the 1088 calibre. This in-house self-winding movement with its 40-hour power reserve endows the timepiece with a degree of autonomy perfectly suited to a modern lifestyle. Its sapphire crystal case-back reveals its Haute Horlogerie finishing: a hand-crafted Côtes de Genève motif as well as a delicately openwork 22K gold oscillating weight inspired by the shape of the Maltese cross.