Métiers d'Art Les Univers Infinis Collection by Vacheron Constantin

The famous watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has released the second part of the Métiers d'Art Les Univers Infinis collection, presented at the Salon International Haute Horlogerie - 2012 in Geneva, the inspiration for the creation of which was the creation of Dutch artist Maurice Cornelius Escher.

The Métiers d'Art Les Univers Infinis collection, which includes three models, is a symbiosis of several crafts. It was created by the technique of regular mosaic producing amazing hypnotic effect. Another technique - marquetry of gold and pearl, is used in conjunction with engraving, enameling, guilloche and inlaid with a view to create an optical illusion on the dials with interlacing geometric shapes and symbols. On the dials, the space is filled with abutting patterns that repeat. The result is a volume picture in a beautiful frame of the case made of white gold. The slim bezel opens maximum the dial, and thanks to the skeletonized hands, one can fully enjoy the mosaic art.

All three products are based on the manufacturing caliber 2460 SC with automatic winding. The mechanism with a diameter of 26.20 mm and a thickness of 3.60 mm consists of182 parts, assembled by 27 jewels, fitted with frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, 40 -hour power reserve, as well as the 22 - carat gold rotor. Its work can be seen through the sapphire crystal, mounted also on the case back.
The first model - Angel (Ref. 86222/000G-9804) (hand guilloche, hand engraving and champlevé enamel Grand Feu) is equipped with a dial that shows the striking dance of contrasts between angels and demons. Angels are depicted in bright colors, and demons - in dark colors. Working with a core of white gold, the master first outlines the figures, and then makes recess using the technique champlevé. Thereafter, the engraving is made on a copper plate, where the outlines of demons appear. After several firing in the kiln, during which gradually appear gray and blue colors, the artist puts on the image of demons last layer of enamel to emphasize the depth of the engraved pattern. The next step - is to create clothes and the wings of angels. This is quite a challenging job; it is very easy you can ruin the most valuable work of the entire team of masters.

The second model Lizard (Ref. 86222/000G-9834) (hand guilloche, hand engraving, inlay of diamond and champlevé enamel Grand Feu) is red, brown and silver lizards that create an amazing realistic image. Inspired by one of the lithographs of the Dutch artist, called "Reptiles", the watch comes alive through a combination of the four traditional decorative techniques.

At the heart of yellow gold, the engraver makes recess, creating drawing, after which the master fills lizards figures with gray enamel (looking down) and enamel of dark red (looking right). The next stage, the jeweler performs, is to adorns the back of some lizards with round diamonds, and the guilloche master animates some reptiles, highlighting their tiny flakes of the size of a few tenths of a millimeter.

The third model - Horseman (Ref. 86222/000G-9833) (manual marquetry of pearl and gold) has a dial with the image of galloping equestrians with proud bearing.

The marquetry inlay art is known since time immemorial. For example, the Egyptians used this technique to gems and ivory, with which caskets and furniture were encrusted. In the Middle Ages, Venice and the Byzantine Empire exported to the west luxury, decorated with black and white geometric patterns created by the art of mosaic in gold, ivory or mother of pearl and veneers with exquisite shades of transition.

The marquetry master joins two diametrically opposed materials. Each rider is first cut of gold and pearl, and then going as a puzzle on a gold basis. Between the figures are no visible gaps. Processing nacre requires great care, because it is extremely fragile and should be ideal thickness, shades and shapes, as well as flawlessly repeat bends and straight lines of its gold prototype. Then the engraver brings figures of riders and horses to perfection, painting anatomical details.

The original dials are inserted into the 40 mm case with thickness of 8.90 mm in 18- carat white gold. The model comes on a hand -stitched black leather strap with a buckle in 18 - carat white gold.
The Métiers d'Art Les Univers Infinis collection is released in a limited edition - 20 individually numbered items of each model.

Official site of Vacheron Constantin.

Written by Angel