Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has collaborated with the Louvre Museum to create four Metiers d’Art watches that pay homage to some of the greatest civilizations in history.
These timepieces will reference the greatest epochs of human civilization, including the Persian Empire under Darius the Great, The Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece, the great Ancient Egyptian Empire, and the rise of Augustus Caesar in Rome.
Each watch will feature artwork on the face that represents major artworks in the Louvre from the period the watch references, as well as decorative references from the particular era.
The Grand Sphinx de Tanis, the first of the four pieces, references the Ancient Egyptian Empire from 2035 to 1680 BC. The watch features the sphinx in a carved gold applique, a royal symbol of the time.
The Lion de Darius is a tribute to the Persian Empire that reigned from 559 to 300 BC. The watch is emblazoned with a roaring lion in front of a blue brick decoration.
The Great Hellenistic Greek civilization is referenced in the Victoire de Samothrace timepiece that features the iconic statue of Victory and grisaille enamelling taken from Ancient Greek Vases. The last piece in the collection is a tribute to the great Caesar of Rome. The Buste d’Auguste reflects the Julio-Claudius period and features the bust of Augustus Caesar. The watch also features a colourful mosaic, which was common during the time, made from 660 stones.
These watches will be limited to just five examples of each. Each watch is built with a 42mm case design in 18-karat pink and white gold. The watchmaker chose to use its in-house self-winding 2460 G4/2 calibre movement, with four discs to indicate the hours, minutes, days, and dates. The movement can deliver 28,800 vph and a 40-hour power reserve.
The micro mosaics on each piece, created by Vacheron Constantin’s artisans, were intricately assembled using tine stones in a mosaic inspired by each of the civilizations. The motif designs on the watch are finished with hand engraving.
Prices for these limited–edition pieces are on request from Vacheron Constantin.
Images: Supplied
