Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse
Two limited editions without hands, each featuring a sculpted tribute to the symbol of 2026
Vacheron Constantin has introduced the latest chapter in its Métiers d’Art series dedicated to the Chinese zodiac. The manufacture began its second cycle of zodiac releases last year with models depicting the snake. With the arrival of the Year of the Horse in February 2026, the brand now presents two new creations that celebrate a creature associated with vitality, courage and loyalty.
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A movement designed to maximise artistic expression
At the heart of the watches is the calibre 2460 G4, an in house self winding movement conceived to free the central area of the dial for artistic work. The display system eliminates traditional hands and instead uses four rotating discs that present their indications through apertures positioned around the periphery. Hours and minutes appear at the top of the dial, while jumping indications for the date and the day are placed at the bottom.
The movement delivers a power reserve of 40 hours and is composed of 237 parts, arranged within a compact construction measuring 31 millimetres in diameter and 6.05 millimetres in height. A sapphire caseback reveals the skeletonised rotor crafted from 916 yellow gold and decorated with finishing techniques associated with haute horlogerie, which also appear across the bridges and other visible components.
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A sculpted horse at the centre of the dial
The focal point of each dial is a three dimensional representation of a horse leaping over a rocky outcrop. Both the horse and the rock are sculpted from either white gold or pink gold, depending on the version. The engraving is executed with particular attention to fine details such as the animal’s mane and tail, while subtle patination is used to enhance the texture and sense of depth.
The background is a miniature painting created using grand feu enamelling. The contrast between the sculpted gold figure and the luminous depth of the enamel provides a sense of theatricality that defines the Métiers d’Art collection.
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Grand feu enamel and miniature painting
Two enamel techniques are employed to form the dial. The first is grand feu enamel, applied in multiple layers to create a gradient that shifts from lighter tones in the centre to darker shades toward the edges. The second is traditional miniature painting, used to decorate the periphery of the dial with botanical motifs. Colours are applied with a fine brush in successive layers, each followed by firing at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius. This process is repeated until the full depth of the design is achieved. Producing a single dial requires approximately two weeks, including the work needed to ensure that the four peripheral apertures echo the tones of the central miniature.
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Case options and limited production
The watches are offered in 40 millimetre cases with a height of 12.72 millimetres, crafted in either pink gold or platinum. The pink gold version is paired with a brown alligator leather strap, while the platinum version is presented with a blue alligator strap. Each model is limited to 25 pieces.
These two editions exemplify the philosophy of Métiers d’Art at Vacheron Constantin, where mechanical ingenuity and rare decorative crafts combine to create objects that express both cultural storytelling and traditional watchmaking artistry.
