This year, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its boldness and expertise with new creations in the Métiers d’Art collection: 12 crystal table clocks. The series will be progressively unveiled throughout this exceptional year and the first rock crystal model has been presented at the SIHH as an exclusive preview.
Over the decades, the democratisation of the wristwatch has resulted in a progressive slow-down in the production of table clocks. The latter have nonetheless found their place as mechanical works of art providing a broad field of expression for various artistic techniques. Vacheron Constantin has found in their generous dimensions an ideal medium through which to convey the full force of its cultural commitment in the realm of the decorative arts. Inspired by a model dating back to 1933, the manufacutre has chosen to explore the many facets of crystal: translucent crystal for its purity that lends itself admirably to being enhanced by artistic crafts; and rock crystal for its natural rarity and its mineral richness.
While the 12 table clocks each beat to the pace of the same movement, each crystal arch reveals a unique expression. Four of them celebrate the natural beauty of rock crystal. The eight other table clocks, in translucent crystal, revisit a variety of architectural movements.
Heralding a range of splendid objects, the decorated translucent crystal clocks pay tribute to artistic crafts and to purity. Using a metal cane, the master-glassmaker “gathers” the molten crystal from the crucible within the furnace heated to 1500°C, in order to shape a 60-kilogram block using methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. The block is then left to rest for around three days to allow it to cool progressively, before being entrusted to a master-cutter who slices it into several blocks. Five facetted, polished and engraved blocks progressively form the crystal arch, while a last crystal slab is prepared to support the clock movement.
Vividly reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to perpetuating artistic crafts, these 12 unique creations once again demonstrate the talent of the master-artisans such as master-crystalmakers, stone-cutters, engravers, guillocheurs and enamellists. The facetted silver feet supporting the table clock feature 12 unique hand-guilloché motifs that shimmer with the translucent colours of Grand Feu enamel. Since each foot is an all-of-a-piece construction, the guillocheur has had to extend the décor to five faces, thereby considerably increasing the difficulty of creating the motifs.
Above and beyond the work on the crystal, two decorative techniques are particularly in the spotlight on the chapter ring and the feet of each table clock: Grand Feu enamelling and guillochage. The 12 satin-brushed silver Roman numerals have been individually crafted and then coated with black Grand Feu enamel. This delicate stage requires finely controlled operations, since the melting point of enamel is 860°C, whereas that of silver is 900°C. The facetted silver feet supporting the table clock feature 12 unique hand-guilloché motifs that shimmer with the translucent colours of Grand Feu enamel.
The transparency of the cabinet provides a view of the new manual-winding caliber made by Vacheron Constantin, openworked Caliber 9260. The motor organ of Caliber 9260 is composed of two barrels, each with an over one-metre long spring, so as to guarantee an almost one-month power reserve. A power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock on a sapphire crystal makes it easy to monitor the table clock’s level of energy.
There are various types of constant-force auxiliary mechanisms. Some act upstream from the gear trains, on the barrels while others act directly on the escapement. For its new Métiers d’Art Arca collection, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to act exactly between the motor organ and the escapement featured in the historical 1933 clock that has inspired these models. By combining a 30-day power reserve and a constant-force mechanism, Caliber 9260 displays exceptional functionality qualities entirely in keeping with the grand horological traditions of Vacheron Constantin. The constant-force mechanism of Caliber 9260 endows the table clock with remarkable rating precision corresponding to less than a one-minute deviation per week: an impressive feat for a caliber with such a low frequency and that requires winding just once a month.
Each table clock is a unique creation, issued from a unique collection of 12 pieces. The Arca table clocks are only available in Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
