INTRODUCING: The Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase stuns with its diamond-studded designs
Borna BošnjakThis trio of novelties from the Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase collection encompasses the brand’s incredible attention to detail and gem-setting savoir-faire. The first is a more simple, possibly even everyday, piece with a brand new bracelet, touted to fit like a second skin. The other two share a case and dial covered in diamonds, while one offers a fully set pink gold bracelet, too – for a total of 1,377 diamonds. Let’s get into some more specifics.
Pavé or guilloché
The showstopper is clearly the pavé diamond dial, found on both the Égérie Moon Phase Jewellery and Diamond-Paved models. Set with 510 brilliant-cut diamonds, the dials are crafted from 18k white gold, with the rehaut and the interlocking rings surrounding the pinion and moonphase in 18k 5N pink gold. Vacheron Constantin claims this improves the contrast and brings out the inherent brilliance of the diamonds gracing the dial. The moonphase complication is also quite special. In these two models, Vacheron Constantin uses semi-transparent sapphire for the clouds occluding the mother-of-pearl moons set on a blue, star-studded backdrop, while the numerals are applied and solid pink gold.
As a subtle alternative to the diamond-covered craziness of the other two, the Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase goes for an intricately woven dial pattern in a silvered opaline colour. Calling it a pleated pattern, Vacheron Constantin uses a tapestry technique to alternate directions between the centre, middle and outer portions of the dial. The moonphase is also slightly different, rimmed in round-cut diamonds set on a pink gold ring, while mother-of-pearl clouds cover gold moons.
Unisex sizing, feminine features
The sizing is similar across the new Égérie models, with a 37mm diameter. The Jewellery and Diamond-Paved models are slightly thicker, however, 10.53mm versus the 10.08mm of the Moon Phase. Those two also feature brilliant-cut diamonds, while the Moon Phase opts for round-cut stones. The Jewellery certainly walks the line between gem-setting mastery and an exercise in excess, with a guaranteed minimum 12.35 carats minimum diamond weight, encompassing 1,377 stones across the dial, case and bracelet. The Diamond-Paved Égérie model cuts that back to 845 total diamonds, though actually featuring a higher number of stones on the case – my guess is that Vacheron Constantin is using smaller diamonds for this model. It also pares back in the bracelet department, with a satin-effect alligator strap in dark violet and royal blue satin fabric strap, both with gem-set solid gold buckles. The final touch on both of these bejewelled pieces is the rose-cut diamond embedded into the 2 o’clock crown.
With its new multi-link bracelet, the Égérie Moon Phase counts “only” 94 diamonds in total, surrendering most of the case surface to a rich, polished finish. Instead of being set with a diamond, the crown features a milky moonstone, though the bracelet is certainly the main attraction in this new piece. Vacheron Constantin is proud of the well-articulating rose gold number, courtesy of the small, rounded links, finished in a push-button folding clasp.
Slim, in-house calibre
Consistent across the model range is the calibre 1088 L, based on the 1088 with the date in the same 2 o’clock position. This Vacheron Constantin manufacture calibre consists of 164 components and beats at 4 Hz, offering 40 hours of power reserve in a slim, 5.03mm profile. The movement is visible through the pieces’ sapphire crystal casebacks, showing off its Geneva striping, polished screws and skeletonised, Maltese cross rotor.
Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase pricing and availability:
The Égérie Moon Phase collection is available now, though the Égérie Moon Phase Jewellery is exclusively available as a Boutique-only model. Price: POA (Moon Phase Jewellery), A$125,000 (Moon Phase Diamond-Paved), A$82,500 (Moon Phase)
| Brand | Vacheron Constantin |
| Model | Égérie Moon Phase Jewellery (ref. 8016F/127R-B977) Égérie Moon Phase Diamond-Paved (8006F/000R-B976) Égérie Moon Phase (8005F/120R-H002) |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm x 10.53mm (Moon Phase Jewellery, Moon Phase Diamond-Paved) 37mm x 10.08mm (Moon Phase) |
| Case Material | 18k 5N pink gold, diamond-setting |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal on both sides |
| Dial | 18k white gold and 18k 5N pink gold, diamond-setting (Moon Phase Jewellery, Moon Phase Diamond-Paved) Silvered opaline with pleats pattern (Moon Phase) |
| Strap | 18k 5N pink gold, diamond-setting (Moon Phase Jewellery) Dark violet alligator and blue satin, with 18k 5N pink gold and diamond set buckles (Moon Phase Diamond-Paved) 18k 5N pink gold (Moon Phase) |
| Movement | 1088 L, in-house, moonphase, 40-hour power reserve |
| Price | A$POA (Moon Phase Jewellery) A$125,000 (Moon Phase Diamond-Paved) A$82,500 (Moon Phase) |