Vacheron Constantin Metiers D'Art Tsukimi Autumn Unisex Watch 33222/000R-9704

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Exact reference. Clear provenance.

A human adventure, an invitation to discover another dimension where know-how and innovation meet: the 'Metiers d'Art La Symbolique des Laques' collection tells the tale of a meeting between the artists from one of the oldest Japanese lacquer houses, Zohiko, located in Kyoto since it was founded in 1661, and the world's oldest watch manufacturer having maintained uninterrupted production since 1755. The third and last set in the collection pays tribute to the natural beauty of the seasons, called 'Setsugekka'. While Japanese ways of life have changed over the centuries, they draw on various realms of the tradition of contemplation. 'Hanami Tsukimi Yukimi' watches promote this Japanese art of making an institution of the pleasure of enjoying the ephemeral gracefulness of nature: three changes of season - spring, autumn and winter - representing three symbols at the heart of Japanese rituals and heritage. It took no less than seven months to create the two dials produced for each model. Each emblem - snowflakes, cherry flowers and full moon - provide a harmonious escort for hours that are driven by an ultra-flat 1003 caliber, whose openworked silhouette also enhances its contemplative appeal. Manufactured in 18-carat gold - a particularly delicate material to work with - this legendary movement is treated with ruthenium in order to match the dials and humbly give pride of place to the consummate excellence of the art of 'maki-e'. Caliber 1003, bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, the ultimate token of excellence in the purest Geneva watchmaking tradition, remains a benchmark movement in the history of Fine Watchmaking. It measures a mere 1.64 mm thick, making it the world's thinnest hand-wound movement, and was entirely designed, developed and manufactured in the Vacheron Constantin workshops. The sapphire crystals on either side of the watch make it possible to admire the exceptional finishes, including chamfering, straight-graining and engraving, all done by hand. Echoing Japanese culture, the sobriety of the round case framing this exceptional movement and the two 'maki-e' dials, reflects the Zen spirit of the collection. "Maki-e" in Japanese means "filled up the picture." This style of enamel painting features the most complex techniques of decorative lacquering. The art begins while paint (usually black in color) has not yet congealed, which is then sprinkled with gold or silver powder to create unique designs. The final lacquered coating is made from the sap of what is known as the Chines Lacquer tree, Rhus Verniciflua, which is found is in the highlands of central Asia and parts of Tibet. The evening of contemplation of the full moon - or 'Tsukimi' - honours the first full moon of autumn. This custom with Chinese origins was introduced in Japan during the Heian era (794-1185). At the time, the nobles of the Imperial Court got together in the moonlight to compose poems and listen to music. The contemplation of the full moon in September became a popular practice during the Edo era (1603-1868) and peasants included it in their rites to mark the end of the harvest. The full moon hidden by a few clouds is considered to be the height of refinement and elegance in Japanese culture. On the dial of the 'Tsukimi' watch, the clouds suspended against the black lacquer create a trompe-l'œil effect in subtle misty graded shades escorting the full moon. Japanese maples dressed in a bright red autumn robe cover the back of the watch side by side with a 'torii' portal, commonly built at the entrance to Shintoist sanctuaries in order to separate the sacred area from the wicked environment, a reminder of the extent to which the Japanese people remain attached to their traditions. Limited series of 20 sets per year. each containing three watches. 18kt rose gold case with a black alligator leather strap. Fixed 18kt rose gold bezel. Japanese maki-e lacquer dial with rose gold hands. Vacheron Constantin 1003 SQ hand wind movement with a 30-hour power reserve. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Transparent case back. Case size: 40 mm. Case thickness: 8.2 mm. Round case shape. Pin buckle. Water resistant at 30 meters / 100 feet. Style: Atypical High Horology. Watch label: Swiss Made. Vacheron Constantin Metiers DArt La Symbolique Des Laques Tsukimi Autumn Unisex Watch 33222/000R-9704.