Vacheron Constantin created an extraordinary collection of 15 one-of-a-kind models as a tribute to the greatest composers, who inspired Marc Chagall’s 1964 monumental painting on the Garnier Opera House ceiling.

The first watch in the Metiers d’Art — Chagall & l’Opera de Paris collection entitled “Tribute to Famous Composers,” debuted on November 20th 2010, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the “Association pour le Rayonnement de l’Opera National de Paris” (AROP), the Friends of the Paris Opera & Ballet.

The 14 other exclusive watches will be created over the next two years. Each watch will be dedicated to one of the composers appearing in the painting.

This distinctive timepiece features a scrupulous reproduction of the entire Garnier Opera House ceiling. Although the yellow gold case is 31.50 mm-diameter dial, it houses a miniaturized reproduction that is actually spread over a 200 square meter ceiling. By using the honorable Geneva technique of grand feu enameled miniature painting, the dial is realistic and a real work of art.

Garnier Opera House was a muse for the timepiece in other ways beside for the dial. The three gold hands that point to the elegant works of Ravel, Debussy and the other 12 composers. An array of different nymphs have been hand-engraved dancing and singing, embodying the performing arts. The hours were created after the Second Empire gildings of the Ralais Garnier and the gold-rimmed dial mirror the ceiling.

The case-back opens to an engraving created in tribute to Marc Chagall. The heart of the timepiece beats to the regular cadence of the Calibre 2460 self-winding movement entirely developed and manufactured by Vacheron.

The meticulous and artistic painted dial along with the impeccable watch complexity, this Vacheron watch will be part of its own history.

-Affluent Page

www.vacheron-constantin.com