Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières

Quick specs Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières Price: € 108.000 | approx. $ 118,000 | approx. £ 92,000 Size: 40 mm Reference: 86222/000G-B105 (New York) | 86222/000G-B104 (Paris) | 86222/000G-B101 (Geneva)

If you live in the city center of New York, Paris or Geneva, you might be able to see your house on the dial of this Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières. It’s a good thing Vacheron Constantin delivers a magnifying glass with it.

VC launches three models of the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières, all with an aerial view of three of the world’s most illuminated cities. And more cities will follow.

The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières shows a stunning bird-view by night of New York, Paris or Geneva

The eye-catcher is, of course, the dial. The 18K white gold dial is hollowed out by hand, following the outlines of streets, rivers, parks and gardens. The next step is applying successive layers of translucent colored enamels. After each applied layer the dial is fired at a temperature of 1,562° Fahrenheit or 850° Celsius. Grand Feu champlevé enameling.

Then the Japanese artist Yoko Imai enlivens the enamel of the watch by creating a fascinating chiaroscuro effect. This is an optical technique that relies on tonal contrasts between light and dark to recreate three-dimensional forms. Applying precious powders is similar to the art of calligraphy. Yoko Imai uses a thin stylus to individually affix the powder particles to the surface of the dial. The whole process takes about three months. The end-result is a stunning 3D bird-view of the cities landscape.

The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières will only be available in Constantin Vacheron’s boutiques around the world. In limited numbers of 20 pieces each. The price of more than 100,000 US dollars or Euro’s makes sense if you consider this is not only a watch; it’s a piece of art as well.