Vacheron Constantin: The Chinese Zodiac – Year Of The Horse

Two limited edition novelties without hands, on the dial of which the noble symbol of 2026 is depicted.

Last year, Vacheron Constantin launched the second cycle of watches dedicated to the symbols of the new year. It started with two models with snake figures on the dial. On the eve of the year of Mercy, which according to the Chinese lunar calendar will come in February 2026, the company presented two new products featuring horses, a symbol of vitality, bravery and dedication.

The 2460 G4 calibre is responsible for the operation of the watch, a self–winding manufacturing mechanism designed in such a way that there is maximum space on the dial for an enamel miniature with a horse figurine. There are no shooters here. Instead, a system with 4 discs is used, which allows you to display the time and calendar readings in four windows on the periphery of the dial. The hours and minutes are displayed at the top, and the date and day of the week are displayed at the bottom.

The mechanism, which has a 40-hour power reserve, is assembled from 237 parts. All this is packaged in a 31 x 6.05 mm construction. A skeletonized rotor made of 916 yellow gold is visible through the sapphire back cover of the case. The rotor and other parts of the mechanism are finished in the “high watchmaking” category.

The center of the composition on the dial is occupied by a three-dimensional figure of a horse galloping over a cliff. Both the figure and the rock are carved in white or rose gold. The engraver’s work is distinguished by attention to small details, such as the animal’s mane and tail. To emphasize the volume and texture of the miniature sculpture, the horse figurine is patinated. The backdrop for the proud animal is a miniature in the technique of hot enamel.

To be more precise, two types of enamel are used here. The first is hot enamel with a smooth transition of tones from lighter in the center to slightly darker at the edges. The second is the technique of miniature painting, in which a floral decoration is made on the periphery of the dial.

The colors are applied layer by layer using a very thin brush, after which the dial plate is fired at temperatures above 800 ° C. The procedure is repeated several times until the full palette of colors in the pattern and the desired tone intensity are achieved. It takes 2 weeks to do everything about everything, taking into account the fact that the background in the 4 windows on the dial repeats the tones of the miniature itself.

The watches are presented in cases of 40 x 12.72 mm, made of rose gold or platinum. The gold version is complemented by a brown alligator leather strap. The platinum model is offered with a blue strap. The watch is limited in series of 25 watches for each model.