A remarkable return to its roots, or an elegant tribute to the traditional engraving of Haute Horlogerie movements. In occasion of SIHH 2015 (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) and to celebrate its 260th anniversary, the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin is making a remarkable return to its roots by enriching its Métiers d’Art collection with two timepieces distinguished by movements that are entirely hand-engraved. To exalt the beauty of the two iconic in-house movements, the two masterpieces have been adorned with delicate floral motifs, reminiscent of the engravings gracing the first pocket watches created by Vacheron Constantin from 1755 onwards.

Housed in a precious platinum case, these two exclusive timepieces feature traditional tone-on-tone decors expressing a desire to achieve a pure, understated design, and result of Swiss master craftsmen’s expert, creative and skillful work. The scrolling motifs and arabesques pay tribute to the acanthus leaf, an exceptional source of inspiration consistently celebrated since Antiquity across all forms of artistic expression. The tiny parts have been sculpted with extreme expertise and dexterity without ever compromising perfect aesthetic and functionality. 

The art of engraving combined to the watchmaking of excellence give life to these incredibly sophisticated objects.  The acanthus leaf appearing on Calibers 2260 and 4400  is a characteristic ornamental element in classic Greek architecture: its earliest representations date back to the fifth century BC, when it adorned the capitals of Corinthian columns.The engraved calibers are mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement with an exceptional 14-day power reserve. The new Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Gravées are a further demonstration of technical and artistic excellence, conveyed by the Maltese Cross Maison for over 260 years.

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