Vacheron Constantin: Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers

Vacheron Constantin presents the new collection Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers, 5 watches in a limited edition series inspired by the first aerostatic experiments and by his “crazy” but brilliant adventurers. A faithful reproduction of the representation of five flights undertaken in France between 1783 and 1785.

The Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers are a very stunning masterpieces… Each hot-air balloon called for up to three weeks of craftsmanship in order to reproduce the entire range of subtle feature and ornamental details of the original works. The dials are adorned with a ramolayé pounced ornament technique “it consists in removing material so as to fashion relief effects “ combined with a plique-à-jour enamelling.

The new collection use the Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 G4/1, an original movement enabling seamless integration of the indications within the overall dial aesthetic. This special self-winding calibre with 40 hours of power reserve enables a singular hands-free staging of the indications. The disc-type display is cleverly revealed through apertures around the rim of the dial. The hours, minutes, day of the week and date are shown by means of four discs: respectively two of the dragging type and two of the jumping variety. Through the transparent caseback is it possible to admire the the caliber and the gold oscillating weight that evokes the rounded shape of a hot-air balloon.

Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers – Versailles 1783

An aerostat, designed by Étienne de Montgolfier, rises into the air for the very first time. This aerostatic experiment has a sheep, a rooster and a duck on board. Their survival will testify to the sufficiency of oxygen at a given altitude. Engraved in white gold, the basket and its floating ropes, having been slightly damaged by the landing, are perfectly visible beneath the opulent 5N gold balloon.

Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers – Paris 1783

Aboard another aerostat, also designed by Étienne de Montgolfier, are two “sky travellers”, micro-sculpted on the dial. Against a sky blue plique-à-jour enamel background, this splendid pink and white gold balloon is engraved with suns, the zodiac, fleurs de lys, garlands, insignia and an eagle with outstretched wings.

Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers – Paris 1784

The balloonist Blanchard had imagined a system for guiding a balloon’s trajectory. The ingenious system of wings built for this purpose can be clearly made out on the dial. While the landing took place far from the initial designated spot, the flight would inspire its developer and other balloonists in making more fruitful attempts.

Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers – Bordeaux 1784

The whole of France takes part in the extraordinary conquest of the skies. This flight, made in Bordeaux with three voyagers in the basket, testifies to what had become a true phenomenon of the era. Reproduced in identical detail on the dial, the balloon features a splendid variety of fabrics and ornamentation, as well as a mythological scene.

Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers – Bagnols 1785

Ten thousand people salute this flight with thunderous applause. The elegant white and yellow gold basket appears to be floating on plique-à-jour enamel in various shades of blue. The upper part of the balloon is coloured by electroplating. Seven years later, the balloon canvas would serve to make clothes for Republican volunteers.

The Métiers d’Art Les Aérostiers collection come in an exclusive limited numbered edition of five pieces, with a 40mm white gold case combined with an alligator strap and a gold folding clasp. Price €.150.000.