We visited the Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Nişantaşı - Istanbul in the past days and we had the chance to see various timepieces from different collections. There was a timepiece which can be described with a single word "craftsmanship".
In the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art product line, the Mécaniques Gravées collection has a classic version as well as a complicated model with Tourbillon feature. The model we have here is the time only version Ref. 1100A / 000P-B026.
“Engravings which are no deeper than 0,20mm are applied on the movement with a thickness of only 2.8mm. If we take into account the total thickness of the mechanism and the fact that the treatments are applied on both sides, we better understand how important the craftsmanship is.”
The Métiers d’Art’s Collection hosts timepieces from Vacheron Constantine which blend quality with craftsmanship. We have mentioned several models from the collection at Horobox. Let’s take a closer look at today’s star Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Gravées.
I want to start from the dial and movement rather than the case as I always do. I said “the dial and the movement” as the dial is actually engraved on the movement instead of being designed as a plate.
Performing such a process on a movement is a very difficult job. Engravings which are no deeper than 0,20mm are applied on the movement with a thickness of only 2.8mm. If we take into account the total thickness of the mechanism and the fact that the treatments are applied on both sides, we better understand how important the craftsmanship is. Each movement is processed for 10 days. Even the slightest mistake can destroy all this labor that has been spent.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Gravées is powered by the Caliber Ref. 4400/1. The hand-wound movement beats at 4Hz and offers 65 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The movement evokes admiration with its 2.8mm total thickness and composition of 127 individual parts.
Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Gravées is available in a 39mm diameter and 8.5mm thick case. Made of Grade 950 Platinum, the case offers a very comfortable presence on the wrist thanks to its compact size. On both sides of the case, sapphire crystals with antireflection coating were used. The water resistance value of the model is set at 30M.
The timepiece comes on a dark blue alligator strap. Unlike many other brands, Vacheron Constantin uses alligator leather as linings in its straps. The strap is secured by a Grade 950 Platinum folding clasp with the brand’s symbol Maltese cross.
