Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art 86070/000G-9295

Vacheron Constantin Ref. 86070/000G-9295 An incredibly rare and intriguing limited edition white gold wristwatch with with semi-transparent sapphire dial, day, date, hand-engraved micro sculpture of an Alaskan Tlingit Indian antique mask from the Barbier-Muller Museum and certificate, one of a limited edition of 25 pieces

Manufacturer : Vacheron Constantin Year : 2008 Reference No : 86070/000G-9295 Movement No : 5’149’094 Case No : 1’143’978 Model Name : Metiers d’Arts “Les Masques”, Alaskan Tlingit Indian Material : 18K white gold Calibre : Automatic, cal. 2460, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Crocodile Clasp/Buckle : 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp Dimensions : 40mm diameter Signed : Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories : Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity dated 22nd April 2008, Certificate of Origin, service booklet, chronometer certificate dated 3rd June 2007 and hang-tags The Tlingit mask comes from Native American shamans, neighbors of the Inuit of Alaska, who harnessed the spiritual powers of animals through elaborate costumed dances. These Indians of the Northwest Coast were gifted and tireless sculptors. This mask decorated with spikes of horsehair are worn on the forehead by shamans in the exercise of their functions as magician diviners. Their roles are essential within the communities of the northwest coast: through their interventions with supernatural powers, they ensured the healing of the sick, fought sorcerers and protected the village against external aggression. The masks hold deeper meaning than aesthetic appeal. In many tribes, they facilitated communication with ancestral spirits and channeled magical rituals. Loosely translated, the poem reads, "Si je vous tire un peu la langue c’est pour vous montrer la confiance que je vous accorde suivant vos évolutions sur la mer entre les tempêtes et dans les forêts entre les immenses conifères où s’inscriront vos mythes généalogiques" (If I stick my tongue out at you a little, it is to show you the trust I have in you following your progress on the sea between storms and in the forests between the immense conifers where your genealogical myths will be inscribed.) By preserving ancient stories in contemporary form, Vacheron Constantin's artisans honored the universal tradition of passing legends across generations. This remarkable set celebrates our collective need for magic, myth and meaning.