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Vacheron Constantin delivers the dazzle of diamonds in the Égérie collection Vacheron Constantin delivers the dazzle of diamonds in the Égérie collection

Vacheron Constantin delivers the dazzle of diamonds in the Égérie collection

Thor Svaboe

The new Égérie collection from Vacheron Constantin presents the beguiling combination of Haute Horlogerie with Haute Couture. Merely seeing the photos makes me jealous of my wife, as this is something I surely cannot classify as unisex. But maybe for once, that’s a good thing. While citing inspiration from the world of high fashion, there is, in these two new models, a profound sense of meticulous craftsmanship.

Égérie collection

That craftsmanship comes from the ateliers of Vacheron Constantin, but in these two new models there is an intense feeling of handcrafted jewellery through the dazzle only a pavé dial can bring to the table.  This year it’s been repeatedly stressed that women love to use larger watches – and vice versa. Still, this 35mm vision in precious metal is not for me and I would no doubt spend a lot of time eyeballing my wife’s wrist if she had an Égérie. Such is the nature of precious stones when they are set as only a brand like Vacheron knows how to.

The case is a classic 35mm round design with a slender sweep of lug in the equally rich glow of white or rose gold. It marks a full 13 years since the last time Vacheron Constantin had a focused range for women – the very different Égérie of 2003. These two new references are both self-winding, with a just-right diameter of 35mm, a slender 9.32mm thickness housing the in-house 1088 caliber with a 40 hour power reserve. But the 18K dial is the star of the show, the diva, the prima ballerina, supported by the dynamic sweep of diamond-set lugs, merely underlining their balanced shape.

The crown sits comfortably at 1 o’clock, underlining the asymmetrical nature of the design, set with a rose-cut single diamond of 0.12ct. The case itself is set with 303 round-cut diamonds, the dazzle of the bezel a perfect frame for the pave dial. The strong design of the Egerie collection is concentric with a delicate asymmetric twist, the glittering circles of pave and Breguet numerals being intersected by a separate framed circle at one o’clock – tying in with the crown. This offset, diamond-ringed circle brings a fun twist to the formalities, giving the impression of being a loupe through which we view the crescent date window in white, with its crisp, traditional print.  On the white-gold version, the date is indicated by a blue arrow shape, matching the blued seconds hand and the satin strap.

On the rose-gold version, the diamonds become part of the rich rose glow through their reflections while the white-gold version is crisp in its icy cool. The piece de resistance? Both watches come with a an elegant choice of straps, matching satin, and the formal elegance of a lined alligator strap. Both come with a one-button easy-clip system to swap them for another outfit, with the temptation of flashier colours in the Vacheron Constantin range. All this does nothing to alleviate my jealousy. In fact, it only increases my respect for these two references in what now is a very strong range from Vacheron that will stand out with their asymmetrical beauty in a monochrome world.

The Vacheron Constanton Égérie, price and availability:

The two new pavè diamond references in the collection, shown here, is priced at $ 91,500 AUD

Made in partnership with Vacheron Constantin. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.