Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art - One of 20 "Yukimi" Japanese Lacquer

One of the biggest market shifts in the last 5 years has been towards historic horological hand-crafts. Stone and enamel dials, gem setting, and exquisite guilloché work have all become more sought after than a classic steel sports watch. Collectors have made it their business to explore more critically beyond the purely technical and into the artistic crafts; Anita Porchet and Jean-Pierre Hagmann are now names known well-beyond the small circle of scholars and archivists.

With that in mind, we were delighted to take in this Vacheron Constantin Metiers d'Art "Yukimi". One of 25 made as a tribute 'watching snow fall' using the ancient Japanese art of 'Maki-e'. Precious metal powders are encased in rich lacquers to create deep textures and swirling colours. This ultra thin Yukimi features a falling-snow motif on the front and a further Maki-e landscape on the reverse showing the towering Yukizimi structures built to support trees against the weight of fallen snow. These beautiful works of art frame a skeletonised manual wind 1003 calibre movement whilst the white gold case remains incredibly slim and perfectly balanced on the wrist. Complete with Vacheron box, passport style warranty booklet and travel case we are proud to offer this tribute to winter in superb, practically unworn condition.