Vacheron Constantin introduces the Égérie, a whole new line of ladies watches. Discover the three watches in the launch series.
Press Release
Vacheron Constantin Égérie
A new collection dedicated to women.
- The close encounter of the two worlds of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture, through the prism of craftsmanship, precision, excellence and beauty.
- A pleated effect on the dial design, reminiscent of delicate fabric finishing, brought to life by the art of tapestry.
- An off-centred aesthetic highlighting displays and the crown, horological complications and design codes embedded in the history of the Maison.
- Cases in pink gold, white gold or steel, set with diamonds, available in 35 mm and 37 mm diameters.
- A clever interchangeable strap system offering versatility and variety.
Three new models are presented in this first reveal, viz Self-winding, Moon Phase and Moon Phase with Diamond-pavé.
Click here for video of the collection.
The new collection is a delicate interplay of textures and intertwined shapes, alternating flat and subtly raised areas; a pleated effect reminiscent of fabric; a singular asymmetry borne by a fluid aesthetic: such is the exquisite aesthetic of the Égérie watch. A feminine name for a watch inspired by women, from the famous nymph Egeria recurrently featured in Roman mythology to the contemporary muses who inspire artists, designers and other creative talents. Infused with an exquisitely feminine sensibility, the new Vacheron Constantin collection draws its refinement from the world of Haute Couture.
The mischievous Égérie has a strong character and this elegant watch is firmly embedded in its era. A watch that is a daily companion and a confidante of the most precious evenings. Available in all Vacheron Constantin boutiques and authorised points of sale as of March 1st 2020.
A clever system of interchangeable leather straps brings the pleasure of changing things up to suit the mood of the moment. No tools are required: the owner can switch strap with a simple clip, as the fancy takes her.
VC Égérie Self-winding
A watch for every day, for every evening, for every moment. Available in a self-winding version in 18K 5N rose gold or steel, this timepiece captures the spirit of the times. The 35 mm pebble-shaped case is crowned with a slender bezel overstitched with 58 diamonds. Extended by integrated lugs, it is punctuated between 1 and 2 o’clock by a crown adorned with a cabochon-cut moonstone, of which the soft shade melds flawlessly into the overall aesthetic.
The dial sets the stage for a delicate opaline silver work of art inspired by the world of Haute Couture: composed of concentric circles, its centre and periphery are graced with a pleated pattern. Developed after several months of testing, this decoration was created in the Manufacture’s guillochage workshop using the historical “tapestry” technique. By dint of lengthy long and extremely subtle operations, the artisan adjusts the gears of a 1904 pantograph-type machine in order to reproduce a large format motif in a miniature version on the dial. The expertly wielded tip of the burin, regularly sharpened by the artisan, gives rise to the draped-effect motif of the Égérie dial.
Specially designed for the collection, the calligraphic numerals evoke fine embroidery, while the leaf-type hours and minutes hands recall the fine needles used by the nimble fingers at work in Haute Couture ateliers. In a signature touch, the date appearing in a circle rimmed with diamonds draws on the tradition of Vacheron Constantin’s off-centre displays.
A bold move for this versatile watch, escorted by three interchangeable leather straps for the 18K 5N pink gold version. The steel model is paired with a polished metal bracelet designed to ensure an extremely flowing look and feel. Both slim and graceful, it sits so incredibly lightly on the wrist, like a second skin, that the wearer can easily forget it is even there.
Beating behind the scenes is the 1088 calibre. This in-house self-winding movement with its 40-hour power reserve endows the timepiece with a degree of autonomy perfectly suited to a modern lifestyle. Its sapphire crystal case-back reveals its Haute Horlogerie finishing: a hand-crafted Côtes de Genève motif as well as a delicately openwork 22K gold oscillating weight inspired by the shape of the Maltese cross.
TECHNICAL DATA Égérie self-winding
REFERENCE 4605F/000R-B496 4605F/110A-B495 CALIBRE 1088 Manufacture caliber Mechanical, self-winding 20.80 mm (9’’’) diameter, 3.80 mm thick Approximately 40 hours of power reserve 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) 144 components 26 jewels
INDICATIONS Hours, minutes, center seconds Date CASE 4605F/000R-B496: 18K 5N pink gold 4605F/110A-B495: stainless steel 35 mm diameter, 9.32 mm thick Bezel set with 58 round-cut diamonds (~0.88 ct) Crown set with a moonstone Transparent sapphire crystal caseback Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
DIAL Silvered opaline, “pleats” pattern made by tapestry technique 18K 5N pink gold /18K white gold ring set with 34 round-cut diamonds (~0.09 ct) Circular “pearl” minute track 18K 5N pink gold / 18K white gold applied Arabic numerals and index
STRAPS/BUCKLES 4605F/000R-B496: delivered with three self-interchangeable Mississippiensis alligator leather straps (semi-mat raspberry pink, night blue and candied chestnut with satin effect), each strap equipped with an 18K 5N pink gold ardillon buckle 4605F/110A-B495: stainless steel bracelet with triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces
VC Égérie moon phase
The night star is at the very heart of the Égérie moon phase model, which comes in a 37 mm case in 18K 5N rose gold or steel, with a diamond-set bezel. The stellar horological complication springs a surprise by appearing where it is least expected. An offset circle glittering with 36 diamonds displays a dreamlike vision of time, with the 18Kgold moon appearing in a starry sky revealed behind clouds formed by a delicate mother-
of-pearl assembly. The enchanting charm of this model is further enhanced by its opaline silver dial and pleated pattern, developed after several months of testing and achieved using the ancient ‘tapestry’ technique.
The Égérie moon phase model is available in steel set with 58 diamonds, while the crown is graced with a cabochon-cut moonstone, a symbol of calm and serenity, contributing to a particularly modern and dynamic version fitted with a metal bracelet. Both light and slim, it nestles on the wrist like a second skin, to the point where one could easily forget it is even there. For a more chic, sophisticated look, the case of the Égérie moon phase also comes in an 18K 5N pink gold version, likewise fringed with 58 diamonds and featuring a cabochon moonstone on the crown. Its versatile elegance is paired with three interchangeable leather straps, enabling the wearer to adopt a variety of looks as the fancy takes her.
This model is powered by the in-house self-winding moon phase 1088 L movement. This user- friendly calibre meets the expectations of a modern lifestyle with its 40-hour power reserve. Thesapphire crystal case-back reveals the refinement of the Haute Horlogerie finishes applied: the
hand-crafted Côtes de Genève are swept over by an elegantly openwork 22K gold oscillating weight inspired by the shape of the Maltese cross.
TECHNICAL DATA Égérie moon phase
REFERENCE 8005F/000R-B498 8005F/120A-B497 CALIBRE 1088 L
Manufacture caliber. Mechanical, self-winding 30 mm (91⁄4 ’’’) diameter, 5 mm thick Approximately 40 hours of power reserve 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) 164 components 26 jewels
INDICATIONS Hours, minutes, center seconds. Moon phase
CASE 8005F/000R-B498: 18K 5N pink gold 8005F/120A-B497: stainless steel
37 mm diameter, 10.08 mm thick Bezel set with 58 round-cut diamonds (~1.00 ct) Crown set with a moonstone Transparent sapphire crystal caseback Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
DIAL Silvered opaline, “pleats” pattern made by tapestry technique
18K 5N pink gold /18K white gold ring set with 36 round-cut diamonds (~0.10 ct) Circular “pearl” minute track 18K gold moon behind a mother-of-pearl cloud 18K 5N pink gold / 18K white gold applied Arabic numerals
STRAPS/BUCKLES 8005F/000R-B498: delivered with three self-interchangeable Mississippiensis alligator leather straps
(night blue and candied chestnut with satin effect semi-mat raspberry pink,), each strap equipped with an 18K 5N pink gold ardillon buckle
8005F/120A-B497: stainless steel bracelet with triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces
Égérie Moon Phase Diamond-pavé
When night falls, the Égérie moon phase diamond-pavé model leads the dance in a stunning evening gown. Its case in 37 mm 18K white gold sparkles with 292 diamonds, while the dial deploys its concentric circles amid a shower of 510 diamonds resembling a precious embroidery. An Haute Couture look that brilliantly showcases the masterful touch of the Manufacture’s finest gemsetters. Framed by diamonds, the arresting sight of the white gold star pursuing its majestic path beneath a translucent sapphire crystal naturally draws the gaze, while the winding crown is adorned with a rose-cut diamond. These flamboyant interpretations embrace the wrist with two easily interchangeable night blue straps, one in leather and the other in satin, each secured by a gemset pin buckle.
The Égérie moon phase diamond-pavé model beats to the rhythm of the in-house self- winding moon phase 1088 L movement, of which the generous 40-hour power reserve suits formemorable times. The sapphire crystal case-back reveals the refinement of the Haute Horlogerie finishes applied: the hand-crafted Côtes de Genève finishes are swept over by a 22K gold finely wrought openwork oscillating weight inspired by the shape of the Maltese cross.
TECHNICAL DATA Égérie moon phase diamond-paved
REFERENCE 8006F/000G-B499 CALIBRE 1088 L Manufacture caliber Mechanical, self-winding 30 mm (91⁄4 ’’’) diameter, 5 mm thick Approximately 40 hours of power reserve 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
164 components 26 jewels
INDICATIONS Hours, minutes, center seconds. Moon phase
CASE 18K white gold case set with 292 round-cut diamonds (~3.00 ct), 37 mm diameter, 10.53 mm thick Crown set with a rose-cut diamond (~0.17 ct)
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters) DIAL 18K white gold set with 510 round-cut diamonds (~1.85 ct) Mother of pearl moon behind a translucent sapphire crystal cloud 18K white gold applied Arabic numerals
STRAPS Night blue Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with satin effect. Delivered with a second strap in blue satin
BUCKLE Delivered with two 18K white gold ardillon buckles (directly mounted on the straps), each set with21 round-cut diamonds (~0.21 ct)
VC Égérie Collection
A pleated motif reminiscent of Haute Couture craft, 18K gold figures scalloped like fine lace, diamonds recalling precious embroidery and an off-centre aesthetic inspired by the heritage of Vacheron Constantin… Haute Horlogerie engages in a fascinating dialogue with Haute Couture. The new Égérie ladies’ collection is an anthem to elegant women who enhance their attire with a bold touch.
A circle in a circle and deliberate asymmetry characterise a watch that captures the mood of the moment through its multiple faces, reliably powered by self-winding movements adorned with Haute Horlogerie finishes. Composed of three models – self-winding, moon phase, moon phase diamond-pavé – each offering its own versions in 18K pink gold, 18K white gold or steel, set with diamonds, Égérie is inherently versatile. Appearing on a “second skin” metal bracelet for the steel versions or with interchangeable straps for the gold versions, it offers pleasing variety.
Timepieces available in all Vacheron Constantin boutiques and authorised points of sale as of March 1st 2020.
3 Comments
I think at first glance, these look really nice. The competitive landscape has changed, and I am assuming more and more women want a fashionable and versatile ladies watch with an automatic movement., without the headache of manual-wind. One of my favourite VC Ladies Watches is the round-Malte with Moon Phase and Power Reserve but that had a manual wind movement.
I am assuming this is aimed at the new PP 24 series, as well as other automatic-collections provided by other haute-horology brands.
But just one question: Given the high price-point of this series – why no Geneva Seal? Are these really VC In-House movements or are they from the same Richemont source which provided the time-date only calibre 1326 in the Fifty-Six Self-Winding? I think it was a Val-Fleurier movement made for VC.
Kunal, regarding the movement, the press release did not have further information than what we have published. I have asked for more information, including photographs of the case back, but not received any. I think the watches should be in town soon, we will attempt to photograph them.
It is so boring…diamonds on the bezel…Please come up with something matching current women lifestyle and mentality not kind of “diamonds ladies best friends”