Vacheron Constantin Ushers in The Year of the Horse With Two New Timepieces

Vacheron Constantin introduces Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse as a striking fusion of cultural symbolism and haute horlogerie, presenting two highly limited creations that honor the spirit of the Horse while showcasing some of the Maison’s most refined decorative and mechanical savoir faire. Produced in two editions of just 25 pieces each, one in 18K 5N pink gold and the other in 950 platinum, these exceptional timepieces transform traditional zodiac storytelling into a contemporary work of wearable art, created for collectors who value rarity, meaning, and master craftsmanship.

In Chinese culture, the Horse represents vitality, courage, elegance, loyalty, and above all prosperity and good fortune, making it one of the most revered signs of the zodiac. This powerful symbolism becomes the emotional centerpiece of the dial, where a three dimensional horse appears mid leap over a sculpted rock, conveying motion, strength, and determination in a single frozen moment. Each horse is hand engraved from 18K gold, with meticulous attention paid to the mane, tail, and muscular contours, then enhanced through hand patination and miniature enamel painting, a process that alone requires several days of focused artisan work.

Behind this sculptural centerpiece lies an enamel landscape crafted using grand feu techniques, where layered pigments are repeatedly fired at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius to achieve luminous depth and soft tonal transitions. The background features a delicate gradient that fades from lighter shades at the center to richer hues at the edges, while miniature painted foliage introduces a dreamlike contrast to the dynamic energy of the horse.

Every color is applied by hand with an ultra fine brush, and the dial undergoes multiple firings to reach the desired intensity and harmony, a process that can span nearly two weeks from start to finish. Even the calendar apertures echo the dial’s palette, reinforcing visual balance across the entire composition.

Powering these artistic creations is the manufacture Calibre 2460 G4, a self winding movement specifically designed to give decorative crafts center stage. Instead of traditional hands, time and calendar information are displayed through four rotating discs positioned around the periphery of the dial, presenting trailing hours and minutes along with jumping day and date indications.

This innovative layout leaves the center completely open for artistic expression while maintaining excellent legibility and technical sophistication. The movement comprises 237 components, operates at 4 Hz, and offers approximately 40 hours of power reserve, all housed within a 40 mm case measuring 12.72 mm thick.

Through the transparent sapphire caseback, collectors can admire the open worked oscillating weight in 22K yellow gold, adorned with a polished Maltese Cross and guilloché decoration. The movement finishing includes circular graining, Côtes de Genève, hand bevelled bridges, and chamfered jewel sinks, culminating in the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, a certification that guarantees both mechanical integrity and exceptional aesthetic refinement.

The pink gold edition is paired with a brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, while the platinum model features a blue alligator strap, each hand stitched with saddle finishing and secured by a matching precious metal folding clasp. Water resistance is tested to 3 bar, and each watch is delivered with a corrector pen for calendar adjustments. Availability is strictly limited to Vacheron Constantin boutiques, reinforcing the exclusivity of these collectible timepieces.

Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse stands as a rare meeting point between symbolism, sculpture, enameling, and advanced watchmaking engineering. Every element, from the sculpted gold horse to the hand fired enamel dial and innovative hands free display, reflects a commitment to preserving traditional crafts while pushing artistic boundaries forward.

For collectors seeking a Chinese zodiac watch that goes beyond surface decoration to deliver true artisanal depth and mechanical excellence, this release offers a powerful expression of prosperity, movement, and timeless luxury, captured in just fifty extraordinary watches worldwide.