Embodying Japan's Seasonal Beauty: Cherry Blossoms, Moon Viewing, and Snow Gazing

Vacheron Constantin is renowned as the world’s oldest watch manufacturer, having operated continuously since its inception. This maison, deeply aware of the value of craftsmanship and the weight of history, dedicates itself to the “Métiers d’Art” collection, which translates to “artistic crafts.” The collection is celebrated for its artistic fusion of watchmaking and traditional crafts, featuring timepieces that incorporate European artisanal techniques such as enameling and jewelry making.

Within this collection, “Les Ailes du Désir” utilizes Maki-e, a quintessential Japanese craft, in collaboration with Zohiko, a venerable Kyoto-based studio founded in 1661. Presented as a set of three models, with only 20 sets produced annually, this year marks the third and final release in the series.

The theme for this year is “Setsugekka,” capturing the essence of Japan’s seasonal beauty. For instance, the “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) model depicts a full bloom of cherry blossoms on the front and a serene, verdant willow on the reverse. Each watch embodies the spirit of flower viewing, moon gazing, and snow gazing, translating the Japanese aesthetic appreciation for the transient and graceful beauty of nature into tangible art.

The watches feature two dials adorned with Maki-e, a technique requiring over nine months of meticulous work by artisans. Encased within these lacquered surfaces, the skeletonized version of Vacheron Constantin’s in-house Caliber 1003SQ movement gracefully marks the passage of time.

“Les Ailes du Désir” achieves a noble harmony, where the Japanese spirit, rendered in lacquer, gold, and silver, meets a movement finished in subdued tones to accentuate the Maki-e. This is a masterpiece where the historical aesthetics of East and West converge exquisitely.

Métiers d’Art “Les Ailes du Désir”
Movement | Mechanical hand-wound, Caliber 1003SQ
Jewels | 18
Case | 40mm, 18K white gold, 18K pink gold
Water Resistance | 3 bar
Power Reserve | Approx. 30 hours
Price | ¥25,200,000 (for the set of 3)

Vacheron Constantin
Tel. 03-3288-6598
http://www.vacheron-constantin.com/