Architecture and high horology in Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées watch by Vacheron Constantin

Watchmaker Vacheron Constantin with his watch creation has passed subtle connection between the two worlds which are developed parallel and at the same time integrated throughout the 19th century - horology and architecture. New watch Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Ajourées is a real sculptural work with air, transparent and shallow arch design. Wonderful wizard’s engraving is supplemented with a lovely enamelled dial Grand Feu.

Dial design resembles the largest railway station in Europe, symbolizing the golden age of the industrial revolution. Since railway network developed mainly in the 19th century, the main European railway stations have become a symbol of the time, kind of a place of cultural exchange. Naturally, each station had its own clock with large and easily reading Roman numerals on the dial. Architecture of these stations also radically changed the basis of the technical and aesthetic considerations. Massive construction gave way to lighter structures, which have found their place with gothic arches and streamlined ribbed vaults.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées (Ref. 82020/000G-9924)

Horology also passed a similar evolution. Pocket watch with impressive size gradually decreased in diameter and thickness. Desire for easier and free designs led to the appearance of skeletonized watches.

First skeleton watches Vacheron Constantin appeared in 1924. The company became a pioneer in the field of stylistic searching, since even the early watches Jean-Marc Vacheron with skeletonized and engraved balance cock were created in 1755. In subsequent years the manufactory put emphasis on transparency as it allows you to see fine craftsmanship of all components of the mechanism. After pocket watches, Vacheron Constantin company started production mechanisms for skeletonized watches, gradually expanding its technical capabilities, creating a skeletonized complicated calibres such as the minute repeater, perpetual calendar and tourbillon, including their ultra-thin variations.

So, the company Vacheron Constantin introduced its next creation with skeletonized mechanism - a new watch Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Ajourées. Masters and watchmakers removed almost half of the material compared to the massive mechanism Calibre 4400 to achieve a three-dimensional effect of this exquisite work. For this master of engraving also skillfully handled all parts of the entire circumference of watch, so that creates a real sculpture with the volume and depth. Inspired by ribbed vaults of railway stations of late 19th century, craftsmen created thin arches on mechanism. Using of rounded shapes, which is a more complex process for chamfering and drawing, has became a kind of rejection of direct classic lines. Only the human hand can create a picture in which alternate interior angles: polished areas like catch the light, but the matte finish, in its turn, set off that enhances the contrast mechanism angles. Excellent play of light and shade.

Calibre 4400

Masters of enamel created ring framing visible mechanism on the dial. However, the use of enamel in such applications significantly increases the risk of distortion. Another difficulty in the creation of Grand Feu enamel is to achieve a deep and opaque black color. It is also a challenge, because the darker the color, the more likely reflect even the most minor flaws. Large Roman numerals also contrast on the black enamel dial. Such figures decorated clocks of railway stations in Europe in the late 19th century.

With regard to technical characteristics, they are follows.

Flawless round watch case in diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 7.50 mm is made of white gold. The case is equipped with durable sapphire crystal, and water resistance is up to 30 meters.
Functions: hour, minutes.
Operation of the watch Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées is provided mechanical self-winding movement. Power reserve is 65 hours. Frequency oscillations of the balance is 28,800 pc/h.
Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées watch comes with leather strap.

Official site of Vacheron Constantin.

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