English Version | Divine gift

In ancient times, the creative spirit was often elevated to the status of the divine. With no explanation for its origin, our ancestors thought of its existence as a gift from the gods. As the centuries passed, humanity found solace in other explanations. We replaced muses with scientific theories and, in the process, simplified what was once a sacred process. Today, we put the creative spirit in a rigid box, encapsulating it by category, medium, dimension and even color. Painting lives far away from poetry, cinema far away from fashion. Fortunately, there are still those who understand that creativity is the daughter of freedom, the mother of art. Vacheron Constantin understands this concept, establishing a new paradigm of innovation and creativity without limits since 1755. In 2023, the maison will once again affirm its commitment with the concept watch Égérie - The Pleats of Time, made in collaboration with designer Yiqing Yin. Together with the Vacheron Constantin ateliers, the Chinese designer has created two pieces that prove the limitless nature of human creativity. 

The collaboration between Yin and the Swiss maison has borne two fruits that show the scope of Vacheron Constantin's imagination. The first takes the form of the Égérie Moon Phase watch, an exciting addition to the watchmaking brand's elegant range. With a dial that reflects Yiqing Yin's visual identity, the watch's name reveals its peculiarity. The case, made from 58 diamonds, moonstone and 18-carat pink gold, is complemented by three interchangeable bracelets. Each one has been carefully considered by the designer, thought of as an important accessory to a precious piece. Due to the nature of the collaboration, only 100 pieces were built. In addition, Yin has created a concept watch that breaks the limitations associated with watchmaking. The Égérie - The Pleats of Time has all the qualities of one of Vacheron Constantin's luxury watches: a rose gold case set with diamonds and a mother-of-pearl dial. But it is still a haute couture creation by Yiqing Yin. The mother-of-pearl of the dial is pleated like silk, and the bracelet is carefully woven and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Égérie - The Pleats of Time is not only a child of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture, it also expands a dialog with Haute Perfumery. A unique perfume was created in collaboration with master perfumer Dominique Ropion, then encapsulated between the strands of the bracelet, to be released at random. Known for her creations that are as delicate as they are intelligent, Yin accompanies the Haute Horlogerie piece with a Haute Couture dress. 

The Égérie - The Pleats of Time project is not the first time that Vacheron Constantin and Yiqing Yin have collaborated; in fact, long before she created her own watch within the range, the Chinese designer was its ambassador through the One of Not Many program. The initiative unites extraordinary artists with the maison's collections. By seeking out and promoting some of the world's most unique creative talents, Vacheron reaffirms its position as a protector of the creative spirit. From the golden hands of Yin to the delicacy of dancer Chun Wai Chan, the maison celebrates creative talent as a divine gift. 

Translated from the original on Vogue Portugal's Mother Nature issue, published May 2024. Full stories and credits in the print issue.