Vacheron Constantin has created a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to be auctioned at Only Watch 2011, aptly named the “Dove” watch. All proceeds go to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophies. The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Perspectives d’Art “Dove” combines several of the manufacture’s artistic crafts that vividly express the theme of perspective in order to accentuate the sense of depth, each according to its own technique.
An engraver, enameller, gemsetter and guillocher have worked together to create this unique watch. “Inspired by the technique of repetitive tiling designs known as tessellation, this “Métiers d’Art – Perspectives d’Art” watch invites observers to explore a reality that plays with human perception.”
“This timepiece is inspired by a drawing by Maurits Cornelis Escher – a Dutch engraver and graphic artist (1898-1972) whose work was based on a subtle play on architecture, perspective, and space. This one-of-a-kind creation depicts a flight of red and white doves – the Only Watch colors – born from the Métiers d’Art exercised within the Manufacture.
These birds – symbols of hope and love – are exquisitely interlocking like jigsaw puzzle parts or tessellations, these skills combine in creating a truly stunning decorative motif. Within the case beats high-precision mechanical self-winding Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. In addition to the extreme reliability of this entirely in-house developed and produced mechanism, it is adorned with exquisite hand finishes crafted in accordance with Geneva’s noblest Fine Watchmaking traditions.”
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Perspectives d’Art “Dove” Special Model for “Only Watch”, is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, VC Calibre 2460 SC, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin and stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva. It has 27 jewels, 182 components, a power reserve of 40 hours and runs at a rate of 28,800 vph (4Hz).
The dial is 18K gold with engraving with champlevé enameling, red birds: translucid enameling, white birds: opalescent enameling, gold birds: hand-guilloché, one bird set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds, the total weight of approx 0.08 carat.
Hours, minutes, and center seconds are displayed on the dial. The case is made of 18K white gold and is 40 mm in diameter. Water-resistance is 30 meters. The strap is black Mississippi alligator, hand-stitched and saddle finished. The clasp is 18K white gold buckle, polished with Vacheron Constantin’s signature Maltese cross. This piece unique is engraved with “Only Watch 2011” and “Pièce unique” on the caseback.
Ref. 86222/000G-9725
