Newswatch: Vacheron Constantin Introduces Métiers d’Art for Chinese New Year, Zenith Releases Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone, New Avatar x Citizen Watches Collab
At ChronoHunter HQ, we’re simply hopping mad for VC’s latest Métiers d’Art Year of the Rabbit, Zenith’s collab with artist Felipe Pantone and Citizen’s triple whammy of colourful watches.
Say Bonjour to Vacheron Constantin’s Chinese New Year Offering
Watch out for two limited edition Vacheron Constantin series paying respect to the Year of the Rabbit.
Source: Vacheron Constantin
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Vacheron Constantin has pulled the rabbit of the hat again you might say! Certified by the Poinçon de Genève, the Swiss powerhouse is set to unveil two limited edition Métiers d’Art series based around Chinese New Year.
Containing only 12 pieces in each model, these seductive numbers are sure to tempt any keen watch lover. VC have really gone to town on delivering nothing but the finest craftsmanship.
Mark your diaries for January 22nd coinciding with the new lunar cycle when Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rabbit is born. Former legendary self-winding versions have included iconic Chinese zodiac animals such as the year of the tiger.
And boy did this create a roar in watch circles! Using a reinterpretation of Chinese and Swiss decoupage methods, the tiger portrays strength and liberty. Their master engravers know no bounds when it comes to enamelling the ostentatious dials with the chosen animal front and centre.
For 2023, choose from either brown or a pastel like blue background showing a beautiful yet delicate hand engraved rabbit. Unlike the rabbit’s meaning in Chinese folklore, there’s no time to be benevolent.
The scenography is something to marvel at while the four individual apertures look just as enticing. These feature hour and minute indicators at the top of the dial with the day and previous date at the bottom.
Measuring 40mm, The Métiers d’Art comes with 237 separate components, a 2460 G4 calibre and 40 hour power reserve. Less than 13mm thick, the in-house mechanism is available in pink gold or platinum. The wristband is made from alligator leather and perfectly complements the dial magnificently.
The ideal luxury companion to take away on the hareplane!
Zenith Releases Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone
Zenith has taken its latest release to the extreme in association with Spanish Argentinian artist Felipe Pantone.
We are all about collabs. Kanye West (or is that “Ye”) and Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. But what about Pantone and Zenith? Since 2020, that’s precisely what has come to pass thanks to this brand and the modern artist.
A new chapter for this partnership is on the cards again as chrome dominates the awe-inspiring Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone. With only 100 being produced, this limited edition model is as exclusive as a ticket to Elton John’s Oscar Party 2023.
Source: Zenith
The dial’s micro-engraved iridescent pattern has a magnitude of shades running throughout the host of elements on the timepiece itself. Made from sapphire, watch fiends can admire a number of areas via the caseback. This includes the oscillating weight, minute and hour hands which all benefit from a distinct 3D rainbow gradient coating.
Measuring 45mm in diameter, this partnership brings so much more to the horological table. The polished stainless steel case is further supported by the El Primero 1/100th of a second chronograph.
Taking half a century to perfect, this comes complete with not one but two organs and escapements that regulate. At 5Hz, one pulsates as timekeeping while the other beats at a staggering 50Hz for the ultimate chronograph functionality. But time moves on as they say.
The Defy Extreme is home to a 50 hour power reserve which comes as standard. On the inside, the powerful El Primero 9004 calibre (360,000vph), twelve-sided bezel and push-button protectors ensures nothing is spared.
Source: Zenith
The latter is composed entirely of translucent blue yttrium aluminosilicate, or a synthetic like sapphire known as YAS. Indices and hour and minute hands spines enjoy Super-Luminova properties.
This is rounded off with a transparent deep nautical blue strap made from rubber. Thanks to its easy strap system located on the caseback, watch lovers can easily swap out the strap without the need for tools.
A steel bracelet that’s completely polished and black Velcro strap are presented in a distinctive box resembling something you might put on your coffee table. This displays a design taken from Pantone’s dedicated “Planned Iridescence” series. If you are looking to buy a Zenith, this should definitely be on your 2023 must have luxury watches
Optimal rainbow brilliance with vibrant geometric patterns makes this Defy Extreme a truly remarkable timepiece that’s out of this world.
Citizen Watches Release 3 New Models in Time for Avatar Sequel
This watch lineup is just as impressive as James Cameron’s cast list!
Watch brands and heroes. What is it about this perpetual (pardon the pun) desire to have their models adorn the wrists of famous sportsmen or even astronauts? Enter the current trend for superhero wrist watches that Stan Lee would be proud of.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept ‘Black Panther’ Flying Tourbillon
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept ‘Black Panther’ Flying Tourbillon - Source: Audemars Piguet
In April 2021, Audemars Piguet and Marvel decided to bring out such said superhero merch. Its name? The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept ‘Black Panther’ Flying Tourbillon. Usually priced around £118,000 this watch burst onto the scene with a 250 piece limited edition.
However, AP topped it by manufacturing a one of a kind Black Panther watch. With a white-gold case featuring a unique painted Black Panther with purple characteristics, it was later sold at auction. And the price? A little over £4.3 million.
The first of its kind belonging to the AP x Marvel collabs, the “holy trinity” of haute horlogerie were on to a winner. Even multiple Grand Slam champ Serena Williams and Anthony Joshua attended the official watch launch.
Whilst this tie up delivered a knockout punch, it’s time for Citizen to get in on the act. To celebrate the release of Cameron’s movie just before Christmas, Avatar: The Way of Water, Citizen has introduced three brand spanking new timepieces. Has it really been 13 years?
Early indications already show the sequel is one of the UK’s top 3 most popular films of 2022. Don’t feel as blue as Jake Sully as we propose to you three different styles; Men’s Wave, the Ladies’ Tree of Souls and the Unisex Wave. Thanks to Seiko’s ‘eco-drive light technology’ there is no battery requirement.
Avatar x Citizen Collection Men’s Wave
Avatar x Citizen Collection Men’s Wave - Source: Citizen
Belonging to the Eco-Drive Collection,first up is The “Avatar Wave Inspired Watch'' boasting a depiction of Leonpteryx on the dial, a creature used as a means of transport by several Avatar characters.
Made from stainless steel, this dive watch has a chronograph, three-handed dial and offers a bicolour case ring simulating the splashing of a wave. Now that’s the way to create a storm. Don’t forget the date function, 100m water resistance and luminous hands enhancing the dial’s overall excellent clarity.
Avatar x Citizen Collection “Unisex Wave”
Avatar x Citizen Collection “Unisex Wave” - Source: Citizen
Meanwhile, “The Unisex Wave” has Pandora’s stunning landscape daubed across the dial with close reference to the oceans and reefs where the main tribes inhabit. Bold and vibrant this beauty packs in a lot for just £249.
It comes with a sunray 3-hand dial that’s offset by the strap which is made from sustainable brown leather. The crown is situated at 4 o’clock while it offers 100m of water resistance. Perfect for exploring the mystical seas and corals of Pandora.
For those ladies looking to buy a watch, we finish with The Citizen Ladies Tree of Souls. This all ladies Black IP stainless steel watch showcases an epic Tree of Souls print straight out of Avatar.
Avatar x Citizen Collection The Ladies Tree of Souls.
Avatar x Citizen Collection The Ladies Tree of Souls - Source: Citizen
The dial’s image is further enhanced with luminous hands as well as crystal markers. Measuring 36 mm in diameter, it provides 50 metres water resistance, sufficient for a light dip in the pool with Eywa.
Conclusion
So what lies ahead? Will there be another crazy collab in the works? Perhaps Marvel is already working on doing a Swatch collaboration with the upcoming Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
All we can say is watch this space for some weird and wonderful superhero-branded watches to buy in 2023.
If you want advice on how to buy a Zenith or simply looking for a superhero watch expert, ChronoHunter can save the day. Our loyal team of dedicated watch experts will talk you through the process of how to buy a watch or sell a watch. Explore our app or contact us to benefit from the most competitive offers from some of the finest UK luxury watch retailers.
Further Reading: Vacheron Constantin: A Brief Brand History
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