Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom: Micro-Arts Meet High Horology

As one of the most sophisticated collaborations between fine watchmaking and contemporary studio art, Vacheron Constantin introduces the Métiers d’Art – Tribute to the Animal Kingdom collection. The Swiss maison has invited six master artisans from outside traditional watchmaking to reinterpret their crafts within the micrometric realm of a 42 mm dial. From feather artwork to borosilicate glass sculpture, the series transforms a available space of just a few millimeters into a unique three-dimensional canvas under the philosophy of One of Not Many.

Calibre 2460 G4: Four Peripheral Apertures to Free the Dial

To grant absolute visual dominance to the artwork without interference from central hands, Vacheron Constantin powers the collection with the manufacture Calibre 2460 G4. This self-winding mechanical movement dispenses with conventional hands, displaying the hours, minutes, day of the week, and date through four discs visible through apertures positioned at the four corners of the dial.

Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the movement provides a 40-hour power reserve. Awarded the prestigious Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal), it features a 22k gold oscillating weight entirely hand-engraved with motifs inspired by the artisanal tools of the workshop.

Six Artistic Disciplines Brought to Micro-Scale

Each of the six creations explores a distinct material and craft, operating within sculptural height limits between 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm to fit comfortably beneath the sapphire crystal.

1. Feathered Serpent (Plumasserie): Feather artist Julien Vermeulen utilizes over 200 micro-feathers sourced from seven rare species of Monal pheasant, painstakingly cut and affixed onto tissue paper and a metallic base. The serpent’s eye is crafted from 18k gold and enamel, framed within a 42 mm white gold case.

2. Glass Octopus (Glass Sculpture): Designed by Simone Crestani, a transparent octopus hand-sculpted from borosilicate glass rods extends 3.5 mm above a hand-guilloché gold background finished in ocean blue tones. Encased in 18k 5N pink gold.

3. Paper Manta Ray (Micro-Origami): Creator Anya Midori hand-folds six manta rays measuring between 5 mm and 10 mm using hand-dyed Japanese paper. The figures are suspended on brass micro-pivots above a guilloché dial protected by a glass pane with a moiré effect. Housed in a white gold case.

4. Embroidered Tiger (Gold Thread Embroidery): Laura Baverstock constructs the sculpted anatomy of a tiger by embroidering 9k white and yellow gold threads onto a green silk base stretched over a perforated titanium plate. Encased in white gold.

5. Paper Crocodile (Monochromatic Sculpture): Marianne Guély layers 250g and 300g white cotton paper using laser cutting, embossing, and manual assembly to capture the lush foliage and textured relief of the reptile. Encased in 18k 5N pink gold.

6. Marquetry Falcon (Wood Marquetry): Anna Le Corno sculpts the head and spread wings of a falcon by assembling dozens of hand-cut micro-pieces from 12 precious wood species (including smoked eucalyptus, dyed birch, and ziricote). Encased in 18k 5N pink gold.

Technical Specifications: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom