Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art “Florilège – The Temple of Flora” Collection
Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Watch Fair, the Métiers d’Art “Florilège – The Temple of Flora” collection draws inspiration from 19th-century British botanical illustrations, paying tribute to Robert John Thornton’s celebrated work The Temple of Flora.
This exceptional timepiece combines the métiers of enamelling, guilloché engraving, and gem-setting. Using copperplate engraving and intaglio etching techniques, the artisans achieve subtle variations in color intensity, rendering the floral motifs with remarkable delicacy.
On a solid gold base, master craftsmen engrave perfectly symmetrical, repeating guilloché patterns as fine as one-tenth of a millimeter. Fine gold wires are then used to form the outlines that define the cloisonné cells, which are filled in stages with enamel of different hues. After each layer is fired in a kiln at around 800°C, the surface is polished before the next application. Through several meticulous repetitions, the enamel gradually attains greater depth and richness of color. Finally, a layer of transparent vitrified enamel is applied to protect the exquisite floral motif beneath.
The Florilège “Virgin Lily” watch is powered by the Vacheron Constantin Caliber 4400 hand-wound mechanical movement, offering a power reserve of approximately 65 hours.
Vacheron Constantin Florilège “Virgin Lily” (Ref. 82550/000G-9853)
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18K white gold case, 37 mm in diameter
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Diamond-set bezel with 85 round-cut diamonds (~1.10 carats)
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Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
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Pink alligator leather strap
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18K white gold buckle set with 21 diamonds (~0.22 carats)
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Water resistance: 30 meters
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Vacheron Constantin Caliber 4400 hand-wound movement, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph, 65-hour power reserve
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Hallmark of Geneva certified
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Limited edition of 20 individually numbered pieces
