Following on the heels of Métiers d’Art “Les Masques”, Vacheron Constantin continues with its art and cultural collaboration with Zohiko, one Japan’s oldest lacquer firms. First announced at the SIHH 2010, this series will feature three sets of watches each year, with each set limited to 20 pieces.

Founded in 1661, Zohiko’s craftsmen are experts in the traditional art of maki-e. Touted as the most sophisticated technique in the world of lacquering, maki-e essentially means “sprinkled picture” whereby a design is created by sprinkling gold or silver duster over lacquer.

True to the spirit of the Métiers d’Art collection, the “La Symbolique des Laques” series combines virtuosity and precision in both the technical and decorative realms. Dedicated to the aquatic realm, the 2011 “Kame Kaeru Koi” collection presents animals selected from the vast symbolic legacy of Far Eastern artistic traditions. As longevity, luck and strength are reincarnated as the turtle (Kame), frog (Kaeru) and carp (Koi), we’re reminded of the meticulousness that goes into the creation process, with no fewer than four months required for each watch.

Calibree 1033, executed in ruthenium-treated 18 carat gold, was designed and manufactured within the Vacheron Constantin’s workshops and remains the world’s thinnest hand-wound mechanical movement at only 1.64 mm thick. Here it is also open-worked. While the sapphire crystal and jewel embellishments bear witness to the exceptional craftsmanship, a zen-like spirit is reinforced by the simple round case and maki-e dials.

Vacheron Constantin