With 40 hours of power reserve operating at a unique 19,800 bph (that is an unusual 2.75 Hertz), the system is designed to use power efficiently to move all the heavy parts. For the wearer, what is important is the view of the time to the right of the dial. It isn’t the most legible display in the world, given the riches of the dial decoration and decor, but it is pretty good, given the concept. The background of the time display area has Latin text in relief on gold to mimic the look of the historic illuminated texts that the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés watches are based on. Each model has a unique dial, of course, as well a name engraved into the side of the case. Through the rear of the cases, you see the functional yet finely finished movement along with an impressive solid gold and further decorated automatic rotor.

Dial art for the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés collection includes your typical list of techniques which is part of the Métiers d’Art selling point. On these models, you have hand-engraving and various styles of enamel painting. The techniques have been adapted to use these traditional watch dial decorative practices to emulate the look of hand-painted art in ancient books. I also like that despite the dense nature of the rich decoration, the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés watches maintain a solid masculinity to their look.

What can I say about the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés dials is that Vacheron Constantin does not do well with sheer visuals. Of course, you first need to know that these animals and the artistic style are taken from the original compositions in the Aberdeen Beastiary from the 12th century. The detailing is extremely fine, and these really look like pages from the original texts in wrist watch form. Vacheron Constantin is among the few major watch brands in the world able to successfully translate such concepts from idea to completion and make them look fantastic. As amazing as these Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés timepieces are, they are destined to be rare, with only 20 of each of the three models being produced as part of the limited edition. With that said, if these timepieces do well, a follow-up Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés collection with additional version in the future is certainly a possibility. That would not be without precedent.

If you are looking for an innovative and quite unique way of enjoying a modern timepiece that combines your love of art, history, and horology, then there are few other more suitable options this year than the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés collection. Sure, they aren’t for everyone’s tastes, but they are a real treat for those who enjoy this type of work. Price for each of the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés watches is $119,000. vacheron-constantin.com