SEEKING THE MUSE
In the all-new Égérie Collection from Swiss watchmaker VACHERON CONSTANTIN, the parallel worlds of haute horlogerie and haute couture are instilled via craftsmanship, precision and beauty
Precious stones and metals further add to the luxurious look, with the dials encircled by 58 diamonds (1 carat total) marked by 18K pink or white gold indices. Meanwhile, calligraphic Arabic numerals encircle the dial face, evoking fine embroidery, while the leaf-type hour and minute hands reference the fine needles used by those at work in fashion ateliers.
The playful charisma of these watches is further underscored by their asymmetrical elements. The pleasing symmetry of the tapestry is juxtaposed with harmonious off-centre design elements, starting with the diamond encircled inner ring that sits between 1 and 2 o’clock on the dial. On the 35mm diameter selfwinding models the date window is visible through the inner ring, while on the 37mm diameter moon phase models the delightful indicator features a gold moon peeking out from behind mother-of-pearl clouds.
Another off-center element is the moonstone crown, positioned between 1 and 2 o’clock.these eyecatching top right elements are then visually counterbalanced by the brand logo, delicately and subtly perched at the periphery between 7 and 8 o’clock in the watch face’s lower left quadrant.
All this elegance and finery is matched by precision, as each watch is powered by the in-house crafted, self-winding 1088 or 1088L mechanical movements. Both movements boast a 40-hour reserve, in recognition of modern women’s lifestyles and life rhythms. The movements beat at 4Hz or 28,800 vibrations per hour, and are set within a handcarved Côtes de Genève damaskeening openwork, visible through the sapphire crystal back. The scratchresistant back also allows for the observation of a 22-karat gold oscillating weight, carved with a motif inspired by the Maltese cross, as well as other movement parts.
Meticulous engineering allows the case to withstand up to 3 bars (or 30 metres) underwater, while cleverly designed interchangeable straps – that come in Mississippi crocodile leather in semi matte with satin-effect in raspberry pink, night-blue, or candied chestnut – allow for versatility and variety. It’s yet another example of the perfect synthesis of strength and style that reflects the watchmaker’s long and noble lineage, which began in the 18th century when the first Vacheron Constantin complications were collected and worn as jewellery by royalty such as the Countess of Luchapt, and Elisabeth Pauline Ottilie Louise de Wield, Queen of Romania.
In the 19th century, Vacheron Constantin added colour with jewels, mother-of-pearl, and vibrant hues, but even in this early period the maison championed engineering by including striking mechanisms and quarter-repeaters in the complications. Entering the 20th century, the maison continued to balance style and substance, delighting the public with the 1929’s “surprise” watch (with 18 rubies in its caseback), as well as the jaw-dropping Kallista in the 1970s.
Arriving in 2020, Égérie is a continuance of this play of form and function, and a philosophical return to femininity within this tradition. Inspired by women, made by women, and created for women, this series is a natural complement to how the modern woman moves through the world of today: with both beauty and precision.
Pendulum, Siam Paragon. / Tel +66 (0)2 610 9423 / vacheron-constantin.com