Whenever the term Métiers d’Art is used to describe a watch, it usually (not always) signifies something special about the design of the timepiece. The literal translation is ‘Arts and Crafts,’ but it’s more closely associated with exceptional design, specifically creative decorations that showcase some of the best skills displayed by the most gifted artisans in watchmaking. One of the best brands for Métiers d’Art is Vacheron Constantin.
The watchmaker’s latest artistic horological series is the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Celestial. It is a suite of timepieces that fuses mechanical sophistication with decorative craftsmanship.
Dedicated to the twelve signs of the zodiac, this new collection presents each astrological symbol through detailed figurative guilloché and gem-set constellations. It’s an ode to both ancient mythology and the brand’s long-standing tradition of celestial inspiration.
Each of the twelve watches in the series has a 39 mm 18K white gold case set with 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires, totaling approximately 3.87 carats. The cases are paired with midnight blue alligator leather straps featuring white gold folding clasps, also set with baguette sapphires. Designed to reflect the night sky, each dial is a canvas of artistic technique and technical precision.
Powering the timepieces is the self-winding Calibre 2160, which measures only 5.65 mm in thickness. It includes a tourbillon and offers an 80-hour power reserve. The movement comprises 188 components and vibrates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz).
The finely decorated movement remains fully visible through the sapphire caseback. You can appreciate the hand-bevelled bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève, the circular-grained wheels, and polished screws.
Each dial starts with an 18K 5N gold base, engraved to mark the outlines of the chosen zodiac sign and its constellation. A sunburst effect is then applied to enhance the dynamic play of light across the dial. Four of the zodiac signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius, feature an additional opaline surface treatment.
The central guilloché motif is constructed from a matrix of tiny, intersecting triangles, creating a complex pattern that subtly renders each zodiac figure. This process alone takes around 16 hours to complete per dial.
But that’s not the full story. The dial is further enhanced with blue coloration and a precision-cut aperture for the tourbillon. The constellation’s star pattern is machined into the surface, then set with brilliant-cut diamonds, bringing additional sparkle to the celestial theme. White gold hour markers are added, along with the signature Maltese cross at 12 o’clock, and minute and second tracks are transfer-stamped to complete the layout.
The watches also commemorate Vacheron Constantin’s historical connection to the cosmos. From the Art Deco-era table clock created in collaboration with Verger Frères in 1927 to recent creations, such as the 2012 “Legend of the Chinese Zodiac” series and Les Cabinotiers grand complications, celestial themes have been a consistent source of inspiration. This new collection extends that legacy with a refined focus on the visual symbolism and poetic resonance of the zodiac.
As a marriage of technical horology and artistic savoir-faire, these watches celebrate the stars above and the storied history and craftsmanship of one of Switzerland’s oldest watchmakers. The collection is a great example of what Métiers d’Art is about – an exhibition of art and raw talent. If you want one, you need to visit one of Vacheron Constain’s boutiques.
