Vacheron Constantin shows the support for the charity Only Watch 2015 event with its incredible  Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées timepiece.

It brings the watchmaking and sculptural work to the finest level with the openworked dial showing the whole complexity of the mechanical movement. Vacheron Constantin is a pioneer and expert in such stylistic area.

“While the first entirely openworked Vacheron Constantin calibre appeared in 1924, the Manufacture was a pioneer in this field of stylistic research, since the first watch produced by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755 already featured an openworked and engraved balance-cock.”

The openworked movement is a very demanding challenge to achieve, it takes hundreds of hours to create a perfect balance between the art of scuplting and the mechanical functionality that can be weakened in process of hollowing out the movement components. The Calibre 4400SQ movement we are talking about is not just created to be perfect in technical terms. It is created to be both technically and aesthetically perfect. The almost whole design is based on the openworked movement. It features the spellbinding light and shadow effects. The age-old art of hand engraving involved the careful process of chasing the components around their circuit to make a true sculpture with its own volume and depth.

“Inspired by the ribbed vaults of late 19th century railway stations, they have meticulously applied their burins to creating delicate arches on the calibre in a fascinating architecture built around curves. These rounded shapes are a complete change from the straight lines of classic openworked movements, and imply an even more complex process of chamfering and hand-drawing.”

Let’s begin with the technical aspects of the Calibre 4400SQ, which brings to life the whole watch and is the major part of design. It is an in-house mechanical movement with manual-winding. It consists of 127 components and operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The mechanism is equipped with the 65 hours of approximate power reserve. We can see this horological work of art through the sapphire crystal caseback. Everything is fitted within the 40mm case made of 18K white gold.

The firmness of this watch has been underlined by the Red Grand Feu opaque enamelled external ring, which contrasts with the Roman numerals. The Only Watch accent has been presented in form of the openworked logo at 3 o’clock. Whole design is complemented by stylish alligator leather strap with large square scales.

The specifications:

Case:
– Diameter : 40mm
– Material : 18K white gold
– Sapphire crystal (front and caseback)

Movement:
– Calibre : 4400SQ
– Mechanical and manual-winding
– Power reserve : 65 hours
– Number of components : 127
– Jewels : 21
– Hand-engraved, openworked calibre