Vacheron Constantin‘s latest creation is more than a timepiece—it’s a meeting of heritage, artistry, and cultural reverence. With the unveiling of the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse, the Swiss watchmaker continues its dialogue with Chinese culture through two 25-piece limited editions that embody both craftsmanship and symbolism.
The watches, presented in 40mm cases of either 950 platinum or 18K 5N pink gold, feature the maison’s intricate Calibre 2460 G4. This self-winding movement—entirely developed and crafted in-house—sets the stage for an extraordinary display of decorative métiers. Without traditional hands, time is instead revealed through four apertures placed around the dial, allowing the centre to serve as a canvas for artistry.
A Living Dialogue with Chinese Heritage
This release marks the second year in Vacheron Constantin’s renewed 12-year cycle dedicated to the Chinese zodiac, continuing a tradition that began in 2012. The Year of the Horse holds special resonance in Chinese culture—symbolising vitality, grace, loyalty, and good fortune.
The maison’s relationship with China stretches back to 1846, when it first sent a collection of intricately decorated timepieces to Canton. Today, that connection continues to inspire creations that bridge cultures. From tributes to mythical creatures such as the Qilin to handcrafted enamel masterpieces, Vacheron Constantin remains deeply attuned to Eastern artistry and philosophy.
When Craftsmanship Meets Poetry
On the dial, a sculpted horse leaps across a hand-engraved rock, its form alive with motion. The motif—crafted from 18K gold—is brought to life through three days of meticulous engraving and patination. Surrounding it, grand feu enamelling and miniature painting add luminous depth. Each dial takes nearly two weeks to complete, with every firing at over 800°C deepening the hues and achieving that ethereal gradient unique to the maison’s enamel work.
This union of relief engraving, micro-painting, and grand feu enamel transforms each piece into a wearable tableau. The platinum edition pairs with a deep blue alligator strap, while the pink gold model complements warm brown tones—both radiating quiet power and elegance.
Precision in Motion
Inside, the Calibre 2460 G4 exemplifies mechanical mastery. Its 237 components are beautifully finished to Geneva Seal standards, revealing fine perlage, hand-bevelled bridges, and a 22K gold oscillating weight engraved with the Maltese Cross. The result is a harmony of precision and art—where engineering meets emotional storytelling.
More than a tribute to a zodiac sign, the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse is a meditation on beauty, movement, and meaning. It captures the spirit of galloping forward—gracefully, courageously, and with timeless artistry.
(Photos via Vacheron Constantin’s FB)
