The craftsmanship and beauty that represent the fascinating world of Haute Couture have long served as a source of creativity and inspiration well beyond the boundaries of fashion. And nowhere is this more obvious, and probably more natural, than the highly technical world of Haute Horlogerie. For proof, look no further than the new ladies’ collection of timepieces by Vacheron Constantin dubbed Egérie.
Named after Egeria, a nymph from the Roman mythology whose inventiveness served as a muse to many artists, the line is also a celebration of the attention to detail, delicate textures, style, exclusive materials, and craftsmanship that Haute Couture is so famous for. Case in point? The “Égérie moon phase jewellery” timepiece that sits on the crossroads of watchmaking, couture, and jewelry, and that, quite literally shines brighter than the sun.
This 37-mm watch is entirely crafted from 18-karat white gold and set with a total of 1,345 diamonds weighing almost 12 carats. The case is rimmed with 246 diamonds, the bracelet has 588, and the mother-of-pearl dial—510.
On the dial, the off-center moonphase indication—a detail that has come to define the company’s pieces—is highlighted in a subtle diagonal line formed by the Vacheron Constantin logo, and the crown, that is also set with a rose-cut diamond.
The watch’s self-winding caliber is revealed through the see-through sapphire crystal caseback that also features a 22-carat gold oscillating weight inspired by the shape of a Maltese cross. The caliber has 164 components and offers 40 hours of power reserve. The watch is fitted with a white gold bracelet with a folding clasp.
This exquisite timepiece is available only in select Vacheron Constantin boutiques and retails for $164,000.
