Egérie Self-Winding

Égérie
The new horological muse of Vacheron Constantin
Enter the world of “Haute Manufacture”

• A new collection dedicated to women.
• The encounter of two worlds, Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture, through the prism of craftsmanship, precision, excellence and beauty.
• A pleated effect, 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.

There are two distinctive realms in which craftsmanship, know-how and rarity would be nothing without passion, creativity and concern for details. Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture share this same vocation, continuously reinvented by the artisans working behind the scenes. Égérie was born from the conjunction between these two fields of expertise. Haute Couture instilled a sophisticated style, subtly paired with the asymmetrical aesthetic faithfully perpetuating the Vacheron Constantin heritage. Imbued with this two-fold inspiration, the new Égérie collection weaves the face of watchmaking femininity according to Vacheron Constantin. A watch featuring a classic look “draped” with a mischievous touch reflecting today’s women: inspiring, independent and charismatic.

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. A dial featuring a pleated pattern.
A diamond ‘halo’ resembling slender braiding and accentuating the feminine shape of the case. And above all, sophistication in each and every detail, expressed through pleasingly harmonious geometry punctuated by 18-carat gold Arabic numerals, daintily scalloped like lace.
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. The gold models come with differently coloured straps.
Égérie is also the modern interpretation of aesthetic codes cherished by Vacheron Constantin, which has been offering off-centre displays since the early 19th century, notably by playing on two intertwined circles. Égérie has made this its signature touch. The date or moon-phase integration is thus part of a subtle diagonal line formed by the Vacheron Constantin logo and the crown daringly taking its place between 1 and 2 o’clock. Depending on the model, the latter is adorned with a cabochon-cut moonstone or a rose-cut diamond. This creative freedom is driven by a bold spirit that makes all the difference.
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.
Timepieces available in all Vacheron Constantin boutiques and authorised points of sale as of March 1st 2020.

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 pin  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.