A symbol of perseverance, loyalty and patience, the ox will follow the sign of the mouse on 12 February 2021, the date marking the start of the Chinese New Year. These two new creations composed of twelve pieces each, combine the technical excellence of the calibre 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic craftsmanship. In China, a country with which Vacheron Constantin has had a special relationship since 1845, the art of Jianzhi, a paper decoupage technique, was born. This popular art form is echoed in Swiss culture through the famous Scherenschnitt découpage. This artistic approach, enhanced by the Métiers d'Art La légende du zodiaque chinois collection, finds a new interpretation this year thanks to the savoir-faire of master engravers and enamellers. The leaf design visible on the dial is taken from classical Chinese iconography and engraved directly into the metal. The decoration remains semi-set and stands out against the gold base thanks to the delicate creation of more or less accentuated reliefs, which give an effect of depth, as if the leaves were floating on the dial. This stage is followed by Grand Feu enamelling, an ancestral technique that only a few craftsmen still master. The ox, in platinum or rose gold, is hand-engraved before being delicately applied to the centre of the dial. The two watches are powered by the calibre 2460 G4, which offers a great deal of decorative freedom, especially as regards the central dial motif, which takes centre stage. The dial itself, which has no hands, indicates the hours, minutes, day of the week and date through four windows. These indications, the first two with continuous display, the others jumping, express all the savoir-faire of the Maison in the design and development of unique and original dials. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal back of the platinum or pink gold case, and employs a 22-carat gold oscillating weight embellished with the decoration of a Maltese cross (the House's logo), a finish executed in line with the best watchmaking traditions. All the components of the movement meet the requirements of the Hallmark of Geneva, a prestigious seal of quality of which Vacheron Constantin is a faithful representative.
