The 2018 Métiers d'Art collection by Vacheron Constantin is dedicated to the five flights made by the first hot-air balloons in France between 1783 and 1785. For the reproduction of the fascinating hot-air balloons, the craftsmen of the Geneva-based Maison resorted to the ramolayé engraving technique, which consists of modelling the material, in this case gold, to create relief effects. Working on the dials took three weeks. In the background is a depiction of the sky obtained thanks to a first for the House: plique-à-jour enamelling, which consists of transparent coloured enamels in an open frame, to let light through, composed of metal wires soldered together. The ring enclosing the enamel is engraved with a motif inspired by hot-air balloon ropes. At the heart of the watch is the self-winding mechanical calibre 2460 G4/1, visible through the opening in the case back. The indications available on the dial side through four special windows are: hours and minutes, with continuous display, and day of the week and date with jumping display. Price: 150,000 euros.
