A new set has been added to Vacheron Constantin’s Metiers d’ Art collection, with Les Univers Infinis. This set of three intricate watches is the blend of high watchmaking and fine art. To create this timepieces, Vacheron Constantin incorporated many of their honed decorative skills, from gem-setting, enameling, engraving, tessellation to guilloche work.
The combination of these techniques were used to form a “universe” through geometry, motion, harmony and symbolism. As you can see in the images below, the craftsmanship is impeccable, with each technique working together so that each element intersect and overlap to create a hypnotic, infinite pattern, to create Les Univers Infinis. This effect is known as tessellation, which is is an art of paving that has been practiced in several civilizations through time. Along with art, these infinite patterns are also part of math, science and nature (a honeycomb for example). With the amount of time and skill invested in each piece, this beautiful trilogy is limited to only 20 pieces each.
Les Univers Infinis Shell Watch
This watch uses engraving and champleve enameling to create its seashore theme out of shells and starfishes. The rainbow sheen of the enamel is very reminiscent of the inside of a actual seashell and reveals different aspects of their anatomy depending on the angle of light hitting the watch. After the shapes are engraved, the colored enamel is fired at temperatures of 800 to 850 C. The starfish are then engraved, then the watch is perfected with lapping-polishing and glazing-varnishing.
View this watch at Luxury Bazaar.
Les Univers Infinis Fish Watch
The infinity of the ocean is created with the intertwining of fish with shades of blue and grey, using a combination of guilloche and cloisonne enamelling. To seperate the different color enamel scales, extremely thin gold wire is applied. The enamel is fired repeatedly to intensify the enamel’s color. After the gold wire is leveled off to match the enamel and then the whole face is vanished to give it a special glow.
View this watch at Luxury Bazaar.
Les Univers Infinis Dove Watch
The infinite pattern of doves in flight utilizes gem-setting, Grand Feu enameling and guilloche work. Unlike the other pieces, one element, a dove, is highlighted with pave-set diamonds. Note with the three versions, skeletal hands are used, making the art the true focal point of the watch. Each watch comes in a 40mm 18 karat white gold case, with black leather strap.
View this watch at Luxury Bazaar.
Make sure to click on the Luxury Bazaar links above for each watch’s listing. And for another post on new Vacheron Constantin watches, check out their Malte Collection for SIHH 2012
