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Vacheron Constantin continues to expand its women’s collection with breathtaking Égérie timepieces that combine the maison’s watchmaking expertise and artistic know-how
When it comes to traditional handcrafts and age-old art forms, utmost patience and a painstaking attention to detail are required. These days, instant gratification is the norm in society, making the need to preserve such rare, time-consuming artistic crafts more apparent, along with a growing appreciation for them.
As one of the oldest watch manufactures in the world, Vacheron Constantin has maintained decorative craftsmanship as an integral part of its identity and expertise since the early 19th century. This is often most apparent in its watches for women, with whom the brand has had a longstanding affinity, thanks to its commitment to designing timepieces specifically for women rather than just variations of men’s models. Even some of the brand’s earliest pocket watches were made for women, with elaborate decorations in addition to useful complications.
Vacheron Constantin’s knack for knowing what women want in a watch still rings true today, as evidenced in the latest Égérie Creative Edition timepiece. The design of this new addition to the maison’s extensive ladies’ collection was inspired by a traditional handcraft originating outside the world of watchmaking: Burano lace.
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Tracing all the way back to 1500, the art of Burano lace-making originated on the small Italian island of Burano, close to Venice. The intricate craft is widely recognised as one of the most ornate laces in the world. It consists of a very fine mesh with dainty floral motifs handcrafted with a needlepoint stitch on a cloth-stuffed cylindrical cushion known as a tombolo. Burano lace-making has been passed down from generation to generation, and is still practiced in Burano today.
As lovers and perpetuators of such fine crafts and savoir faire, Vacheron Constantin created the new Égérie Creative edition watch as an homage to Burano lace. Just as the lace-makers of Burano dedicate themselves to achieving the most delicate creations, the master artisans at Vacheron Constantin too carry out each of their crafts with passion, incorporating them into this feminine and artful timepiece.
