These two timepieces have been born by the creative collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and “One of Not Many” talent Yiqing Yin.
Égérie – The Pleats of Time, a concept watch
At the crossroads of High Watchmaking, Haute Couture and High Perfumery. A “One of Not Many” creation
This is a creation unique in its kind, as much for its looks as for the creative process leading to its birth. The Égérie concept watch stems from an artistic collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and Yiqing Yin, a “One of Not Many” talent. United in their quest for refinement and a shared vision of excellence, the Manufacture and the Haute Couture designer have come up with the Égérie The Pleats of time, a concept watch. This creation orchestrates a dialogue between three worlds: High Watchmaking, Haute Couture and High Perfumery. The roundness of the 37 mm pink gold case embellished with diamonds, the ‘pleats’ pattern adorning the powdered lilac dial, as well as the asymmetrical geometry so cherished by the Maison whose name appears at 8 o’clock in a diagonal with the moon phase and crown at 2 o’clock. All combine to create a refined and original feminine silhouette into which Yiqing Yin has instilled an aesthetic appeal that awakens the senses. The Maison and the Fashion designer also called on French master perfumer Dominique Ropion to craft an original fragrance that is encapsulated in the watch strap.
Above and beyond the object, a sensory experience
Under Yiqing Yin’s impetus, the Egérie collection reveals a new facet of its personality through a markedly different aesthetic, infused with the designer’s inimitably ethereal universe.
The dial is freed from hour-markers, extending an invitation to experience time in an intuitive and emotional way. Crafted in mother-of-pearl, it is draped in a ‘pleats’ pattern that unfolds in two stages across its entire surface: in the centre, encircled by fine gold ‘pearls’, as well as around the edge, extending the folds and hollows. Yiqing Yin chose a soft lilac colour, “a feminine, evanescent shade like a delicate embodiment of a daydream”. This hue also adorns the moon phase sculpted in mother-of-pearl. A row of diamonds enhances the complication, swept over by extremely slender hours, minutes and seconds hands.
The dedicated fragrance specially created for this concept watch stems from numerous exchanges between the master perfumer and the designer. “Dominique is an alchemist of emotions. Our initial idea was to create a watch offering a unique and sensorial perception of time”, saysYiqing Yin. Then came a wealth of creative and brainstorming sessions to combine emotions and formulas until the scent that would embody the Égérie – The Pleats of Time watch came to life.
“The light fabrics swirl around the body, creating a pleated, swirling showcase of supernatural hues, evoking the moiré dial diffractions. This undulating silhouette, in harmony with the body, offers a suppleness suspended in time, culminating in the wearer’s movement and the caress of the elements. The evolving volume of the skirt unfolds in sunburst pleats, composed of cascades of iridescent satin that continue their journey in silk chiffon, creating superimposed transparency effects and ever-changing silky reflections that capture the splendour of each given moment. Inspired by the vitality of the elements, this creation celebrates movement’s inherentbeauty, where infinity is gracefully reflected in fluidity.”
Yiqing Yin, Designer
Technical Specifications:
Égérie moon phase
Reference
8005F/000R-H030
Calibre
1088 L
Manufacture calibre
Mechanical, self-winding
30 mm (9¼ ’’’) diameter, 5.03 mm thick
Approx. 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
164 components
26 jewels
Indications
Hours, minutes, centre seconds
Moon phases
Case
18K 5N pink gold
37 mm diameter, 10.08 mm thick
Bezel set with 58 round-cut diamonds
Crown set with a moonstone
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres)
Dial
Lilac mother-of-pearl, “pleats” pattern
18K 5N pink gold ring set with 34 round-cut diamonds
Circular track with applied 18K gold ‘pearls’
18K 5N pink gold moons behind mother-of-pearl clouds
18K 5N pink gold applied Arabic numerals
Straps/Buckles
Delivered with three self-interchangeable straps: Lilac Mississippiensis alligator leather, Lilac grained calfskin leather, Night blue satin-effect calfskin leather
Each strap is equipped with an 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle
Total diamond-setting
92 diamonds, totalling approx. 1.10 carats (guaranteed minimum carats)
Limited Edition of 100 individually numbered and engraved timepieces (X/100).
The Pleats of Time, a concept watch
Calibre
1088 L
Manufacture calibre
Mechanical, self-winding
30 mm (9”’) diameter, 5.03 mm thick
Approx. 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
164 components
26 jewels
Indications
Hours, minutes, centre seconds
Moon phases
Case
18K 5N pink gold
37 mm diameter, 10.08 mm thick
Bezel set with 58 round-cut diamonds
Crown set with a moonstone
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Dial
Lilac mother-of-pearl, ‘pleats’ pattern
18K 5N pink gold ring set with 34 round-cut diamonds
Polished minutes track with 18K gold ‘pearls’
18K 5N pink gold moons behind mother-of-pearl clouds
Bracelet/clasp
Calfskin leather strap adorned with artistic embroidery worked from silk threads, inlaid with mother-of-pearl fragments and encapsulated perfume.
Total gemsetting
Set with 92 diamonds totalling approximately 1.10 carats (minimum guaranteed).
One-of-a-kind creation, not for sale
Price upon request
For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin