Inspired by the world of Haute Couture which I have many fond memories of, Égérie by Vacheron Constantin is ultimately a celebration of femininity. I remember my first encounter being sparked by a very close friend who opened my eyes to the beauty of exquisite French craftsmanship. Even after accompanying visits to the designers’ ateliers and some couture shows later, I remain enthralled, obsessed with the luxury techniques from some of the greatest métiers in the world.
Here’s my love affair with the Vacheron Constantin Égérie. Take notice of the tapestry technique on its dial, inspired by the volume and elegance of pleated fabrics and the delicate needlework of Haute Couture creations.
Meaning muse, Égérie is a self-winding wonder featuring a pleated motif, an illuminated bezel of diamonds and a moonstone-set crown that adds to the allure. Though it is a 5-link ribbon of steel, I can assure you it rests on the wrist like second skin.
Take a closer look and marvel at its asymmetric dial layout. A design based on circles within circles, the watch is living proof that an attentive eye to detail can elevate even the most basic concept into a thing of beauty.
Finally, the off-centered date display and crown is set with diamonds and a cabochon-cut moonstone respectively.
Here, Bazaar takes a closer look at the understated elegance and craftsmanship behind the classic timepiece, as it’s been reimagined in a particularly feminine hue of gold…
Since the nineteenth century Vacheron Constantin has been creating timepieces for women, with attention to detail having always been applied to each and every watch to ensure that every aspect – from the contour of the bracelet to each millimetre of the dial – be appealing to the feminine eye. In keeping with this tradition, the Swiss luxury watchmaker recently unveiled the Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding timepiece, housed in a 35mm case and formed of 18K pink gold.
A flowing 18K pink gold bracelet that interlocks in a mesh-like effect across five rows ensures the wearer is encased in a second skin of opulence, complemented by daintily placed diamonds which highlight the Maison’s artistic flair and craftsmanship.
The bezel is set with 58 round-cut diamonds and adorned at the crown with a moonstone; housed within are gilded leaf-shaped hour and minute hands which sweep gracefully across golden scripted numerals, invoking images of finely scalloped lace embroidery.
Using a time-honoured tapestry technique the central area of the opaline dial features a pleat-like pattern, highlighting a subtle play of texture reminiscent of fabric, which has been meticulously engraved using machine technology dating back to 1904.
The date aperture is delineated from the rest of the dial with a gold ring set with 34 round-cut diamonds. Augmenting the overall sense of luxury is an extraordinary sense of horological propriety, courtesy of the automatic Manufacture calibre 1088 movements housed within the exquisite piece.
A classical timepiece that dares to be an audacious companion for both daytime and evening wear, the Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding in pink gold is available for purchase at Vacheron Constantin stores. For more information,