Time, Reimagined as Art - Vacheron Constantin's Metiers d'Art Tribute to the Quest of Time

To mark 270 years of uninterrupted watchmaking excellence, Vacheron Constantin unveils a horological creation that transcends measurement and enters mythology. The Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Quest of Time is not merely a watch - it is a poetic instrument where astronomy, mechanical theatre, and heritage converge.

A Wrist-Borne Companion to a Monumental Legacy

Conceived as a wearable counterpart to the Maison's celebrated La Quête du Temps, this exceptional timepiece draws its narrative from the eternal human fascination with time and the cosmos. Against a star chart depicting the Geneva sky as it appeared in 1755, a golden Astronomer stands at the centre - guiding time itself with his arms.

The Poetry of a Double Retrograde

At first glance, the display feels disarmingly simple. In truth, it conceals formidable mechanical complexity. The Astronomer's titanium arms form a dragging double retrograde display, offering two modes of reading time. With a press of the pusher at 10 o'clock, the arms either move continuously to indicate the hour or remain poised alongside the body - time revealed only when summoned.

A Celestial Vault, Front and Back

White Gold, Métiers d'Art, and the Hallmark of Geneva

Housed in a 43 mm 18K white gold case, the watch carries the revered Hallmark of Geneva (Poinçon de Genève) - introduced in 1886 as the ultimate seal of provenance, craftsmanship, and reliability. Every surface, engraving, and finish reflects the Maison's uncompromising standards.

The dial itself is a work of art: double sapphire crystal with a blue transparent gradient, metallised to evoke a celestial vault. Roman numerals in 18K gold anchor the hours, while Arabic minute markers ensure clarity without disturbing the poetic balance.

Craft Meets Couture

Specifications at a Glance

• Case: 18K White Gold
• Diameter: 43 mm
• Thickness: 13.58 mm
• Water Resistance: 3 bar (30 m)
• Caseback: Transparent sapphire crystal
• Functions:
  • Dragging double retrograde hours and minutes
  • 3D precision moon phase with moon age
  • Six-day power reserve (double sector)
  • Sidereal time
  • Northern hemisphere celestial vault
• Strap: Dark blue alligator leather
• Certification: Hallmark of Geneva
• Origin: Switzerland

A Philosophy Forged Over Centuries

Certified by the Poinçon de Genève, this anniversary edition pays homage to Vacheron Constantin's enduring credo: "Do better if possible, and that is always possible."

It is not a watch designed to impress at first glance - but one destined to reveal itself over a lifetime.