Introducing Vacheron Constantin Unveils The Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Vacheron Constantin continues to honor Chinese culture through its Métiers d'Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, unveiling two 25-piece limited editions dedicated to the Year of the Horse. The complex and technically sophisticated Calibre 2460 G4 serves the aesthetic vision of the Maison, giving full scope to the artistry of its métiers d'art specialists. The dial, a stunning combination of relief engraving, miniature painting, and grand feu enamelling, showcases the evocative beauty and craftsmanship that define Vacheron Constantin.

The two new models celebrate the Horse, the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, which will replace the Snake at Lunar New Year in February 2026. Revered in Chinese culture and art since ancient times, the horse symbolizes vitality, elegance, loyalty, courage, and—most notably—auspiciousness and good fortune.

These watches further strengthen the deep historical ties between the Maison and China, dating back nearly 180 years. Vacheron Constantin’s early presence in the region helped cultivate a taste for highly decorated and technically advanced watches among Chinese imperial dignitaries, a legacy of craftsmanship and rare artistry that continues to inspire today.

Housed in a 40mm case, the watches are available in 950 platinum or 18K 5N pink gold. Both versions feature a domed sapphire crystal and a caseback secured with six screws.

The hours and minutes are displayed at the top of the dial, while jumping indications for the day of the week and date appear in apertures at the bottom.

The dial combines grand feu enamelling, miniature painting, and hand-engraving. It is dominated by a three-dimensional horse leaping over a rock, set against a delicately painted enamel background. Relief engraving lends depth and emphasizes the dynamic motion of the horse, while the softly graduated enamel and detailed flora create a dreamlike contrast to the animal’s strength.

The horse and rock are sculpted from 18K white or pink gold, with meticulous hand-patinated finishing to enhance texture and contours. Enamel miniature painting further enriches the color nuances. Crafting this motif requires three days of meticulous work.

The dial background is created using two enamelling techniques: multi-colored gradient grand feu enamel, transitioning from a lighter center to darker edges, and miniature-painted enamel for the foliage. Layers of color are applied with fine brushes, and the dial is fired at over 800°C. The colors of the four apertures harmonize with the enamel details, unifying the dial’s overall aesthetic.

Both Métiers d'Art Year of the Horse watches are powered by the automatic Calibre 2460 G4, designed as a broad canvas for decorative arts thanks to its hand-free display. Four discs indicate the time and calendar functions through apertures around the dial’s periphery.

The movement comprises 237 components, measuring 31 mm in diameter and 6.05 mm in thickness. It offers a 40-hour power reserve, and the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the open-worked 22K yellow gold oscillating weight, polished with a Maltese Cross motif and finished to Haute Horlogerie standards.

The 25-piece pink gold edition is paired with a brown alligator strap, while the 25-piece platinum version features a blue alligator strap. Both are secured with folding clasps matching their respective case materials.

For more information, visit Vacheron Constantin official website.