By Jonathan Kopp
Every year all the watch enthusiasts have an eye on the Only Watch charity event. If you don’t know about it, this is a biennial watch charity auction against muscular dystrophy created by Luc Pettavino and placed under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
On the occasion of the 2015 edition, to be held in Geneva on 7th November, the manufacture Vacheron Constantin has created an outstanding watch called “Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées”, adorned with an enamelled red ring. Vacheron Constantin has been one of the watch brands that has supported this great charity auction since the very beginning 10 years ago. This year is no exception as Vacheron Constantin offers a piece that is simply beautiful.
Based on the in-house 4400 SQ Caliber, this sculptural work with its airy, transparent and finely arched construction exalting the art of open-working vividly evokes the large European railway stations symbolising the golden age of the industrial revolution. The engraver’s technique is reinvented to resemble that of a sculptor, revealing fascinating light effects conveyed through a three-dimensional architecture enhanced by another artistic craft: that of Grand Feu enamelling.
This piece is really amazing and I think it will be an easy sale for watch expert and famous auctioneer Aurel Bacs during the November auction. And that’s really good because Only Watch auction is a good action, and I find it really interesting, and nice, that so many luxury watch brands work to offer something to help fight this disease.
Let’s have a look at the timepiece. The openworked architecture of Calibre 4400 SQ reveals a fascinating hand-engraved work, but we can’t forget the technical performance of this mechanism. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement displays remarkable precision and offers a 65-hour power reserve. Nonetheless, the mechanical aspects alone are not the only features to meet the highest standards of fine watchmaking since the movement has been awarded the Hallmark of Geneva – which is a guarantee of high quality.
The case that measures 40 mm in diameter and 7.50 mm in thickness is made in white gold and bears a skeletonised ring with the time markers as well as the presence of a discreet open-worked “Only Watch” at 3 O’clock. Just below this raised ring we can see the presence of a red Grand Feu enamel ring, the colour of Only Watch, which gives the piece its unique character.
The inscriptions “2015” and “N°1/1” are engraved on the back of the timepiece, which is fitted with a black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with large square scales. And to finish, this fantastic creation is secured by a white gold buckle adorned with a half Maltese cross.
As always, Vacheron Constantin has mastered all these meticulous crafts techniques with perfection. The timepiece has harmonious aesthetics and an extremely high level of finishing.
Note that Vacheron Constantin is committed to fostering artistic crafts that play such a key role in contemporary creativity while highlighting the excellence achieved by combining these talents with those of design.
A real work of art for a good cause.
For more info, please visit vacheron-constantin.com
JONATHAN KOPP – CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jonathan Kopp has an avid enthusiasm for timepieces of all genre, from vintage timepieces to modern Luxury Haute Horology. His preference goes to small and independent high-end watchmakers. He loves the difference rather than classicism, although if he admits to being in love with several ultra-classics pieces. Jonathan was caught by the passion for watchmaking there are almost 6 years. For about 5 years, he wanders in this industry and was Communication-Marketing-PR Consultant for several brands. He has worked for over 2 years as a freelance for the development of the Swiss brand Arthur Oskar Stampfli (AOSWatches). To keep in touch with Jonathan you can follow him on the various social networks: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Read his articles here.
