Vacheron combine timepieces and tailoring for new collection

What do you think of the Swiss watchmaker's suit fabric faces?

Vacheron Constantin have long been considered the best at what they do. From the rose gold Patrimony Traditionnelle to the strikingly-designed Retrograde Day, the brand has a reputation for consistently enclosing quality mechanisms in beautiful cases.

Now, the Swiss watchmakers are expanding. Drawing on the traditions of tailoring, Vacheron launched their Métiers d’Art Elégance Sartoriale collection earlier this year – an exclusive range of timepieces now available exclusively in the brand’s stores around the world.

Inspired by classic suiting fabrics, these sartorial wristwatches use material to constitute the dials – combining fabrics with the traditional decorative techniques of engine-turning and enamelling.

Each of the five designs have been carefully chosen by the brand in terms of pattern and colour. The Prince of Wales check is in a vivid raspberry, the chevron pattern is blue grey, pinstripes are buttercup yellow, checks are taupe and the tartan is a blue that verges on the lavender.

The time is shown in an off-centre subdial, positioned at 3 o’clock and taking a back seat to the striking prints. With roman numerals on a white mother of pearl dial, the face has the appearance of a button on a shirt.

3D patterning adorns this ivory disc – in a choice of paisley, floral or abstract geometric designs – and two classic black domed hands and openwork tips track the hours and minutes.

Inside the 39mm case (which comes in a choice of rose or white gold), a manual wind 1400 calibre powers the watch. But, with a face so striking, attention will firmly be on the aesthetics of this piece. And, like it or loathe it, there is no denying that Vacheron continue to be visionaries – from the tailored timepiece’s fabric patterns down to the saddle-stitched alligator straps.

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