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some of the most beautiful representations in Chinese mythology , where they are often seen dancing around a magic pearl , signifying harmony . As these legendary animals were considered auspicious , contemplating them could only be beneficial , while awaiting times of peace and prosperity . Images of the dragon and the phoenix appear on ceremonial jade ornaments and have been carved , painted or sewn into objects for everyday use – an artisanal custom that has been passed down through the ages .
HEAVENLY CHOREOGRAPHY , ENGRAVING AND GUILLOCHÉ WORK
Vacheron Constantin honours these legendary creatures by giving free rein to its design workshop and its artisans to represent them .
The Traditionnelle tourbillon watch illustrates the dance of Phoenix and Dragon around the pearl , a distinctive cultural symbol of China . The finishing of the latter indeed evolved during the production process : the pearl was initially to be polished and the flames sandblasted , whereas in fact the opposite was done manually due to its extreme thinness ( 3 / 10 of a mm ). This change served to endow the model with genuine radiance thanks to these animals . The two fabulous creatures are represented in the form of 18K 5N pink gold appliques that are stamped and then hand-finished using the pounced ornament technique that involves modelling with a scorper and then smoothing the reliefs with a file . Together , the fine details and precise operations used to represent the plumage of the phoenix with a rooster ’ s head symbolising the Chinese empress ; and the undulating body of the scale-covered dragon emblematic of the emperor , orchestrate a heavenly choreography .
Thanks to the mobile tourbillon carriage shaped like Vacheron Constantin ’ s Maltese cross emblem , the entire scene comes to life , with the regulator serving as a support for one of the dragon ’ s legs , while the beating of the phoenix ’ s wings appears to set the tempo .
Depending on the galvanic treatment applied to the hand-guilloché dial , it adopts a black , deep blue or silver-toned hue , giving impressive depth to this mythological scene .
On the bezel and lugs , the sky is symbolised by a succession of volutes , carved in basrelief . This technique consists of removing material to highlight the contours of the sculpture . After drawing the motifs with a tracing point , the engraver works the decoration with a scorper , like a chasing operation that is ever-more refined as the tool becomes sharper . Volumes take shape , thanks to a delicate alternation of matt and glossy finishes .
Issue 57 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY