This engraved gold Dragon Year timepiece marks the culmination of Vacheron Constantin’s 12-year Zodiac engraving series, endowing it with particularly special significance.
The 40mm case is meticulously crafted from pink gold. The dial’s engraving motif finds its inspiration in the traditional Chinese pattern known as “Xiangyun” (Auspicious Clouds). Multiple layers of relief are artfully combined to achieve the illusion of clouds seemingly “floating” above the dial’s surface. Master artisans then apply and fire multiple layers of grand feu enamel, resulting in exceptionally vibrant and richly saturated colors.
As the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the “Dragon” is China’s most important spiritual symbol and cultural icon, holding an incomparable status in Chinese culture. The image of the dragon appeared as early as the Neolithic period, 8,000 years ago, representing auspiciousness and power. After the Han Dynasty, the dragon further became a symbol of imperial authority.
The master engraver has skillfully crafted a majestic and solemn “Divine Dragon”. Its whiskers flow gracefully, and its gaze is piercing and spirited. The coiled, rising body of the dragon is full of power, with its scales exhibiting remarkable texture and depth. A “Flaming Pearl” is cleverly placed before the dragon’s claw at 9 o’clock, enhancing the creature’s vivid posture. The engraving of the entire dragon required over three days of work. Four fan-shaped apertures on the dial display the hours, minutes, day of the week, and date.
The 40mm case is meticulously crafted from pink gold. The dial’s engraving motif finds its inspiration in the traditional Chinese pattern known as “Xiangyun” (Auspicious Clouds). Multiple layers of relief are artfully combined to achieve the illusion of clouds seemingly “floating” above the dial’s surface. Master artisans then apply and fire multiple layers of grand feu enamel, resulting in exceptionally vibrant and richly saturated colors.
As the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the “Dragon” is China’s most important spiritual symbol and cultural icon, holding an incomparable status in Chinese culture. The image of the dragon appeared as early as the Neolithic period, 8,000 years ago, representing auspiciousness and power. After the Han Dynasty, the dragon further became a symbol of imperial authority.
The master engraver has skillfully crafted a majestic and solemn “Divine Dragon”. Its whiskers flow gracefully, and its gaze is piercing and spirited. The coiled, rising body of the dragon is full of power, with its scales exhibiting remarkable texture and depth. A “Flaming Pearl” is cleverly placed before the dragon’s claw at 9 o’clock, enhancing the creature’s vivid posture. The engraving of the entire dragon required over three days of work. Four fan-shaped apertures on the dial display the hours, minutes, day of the week, and date.
It is powered by the Caliber 2460 G4 self-winding movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a 40-hour power reserve. The gold rotor, visible through the sapphire case back, is adorned with guilloché work inspired by the Maltese cross motif.
It is presented on a brown alligator leather strap. It is a limited edition of 25 pieces. The official price is approximately 111,500 Euros.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dragon
Pink gold case, diameter 40mm, thickness 12.72mm, pink gold crown, sapphire crystal, grand feu enamel dial, 2460 G4 automatic movement, 27 jewels, frequency 28,800 vph, power reserve 40 hours, brown alligator leather strap.
