New Release
AnthonyTsai introduces the Vulcain Cricket Aviator GMT 'The Dragon' limited edition, a timepiece that masterfully blends Chinese mythology with haute horlogerie. This article delves into the watch's intricate cloisonné enamel dial, which depicts the five-clawed imperial dragon, and its technical specifications, including the renowned V-13 alarm movement.
In Chinese mythology, the five-clawed dragon is the prerogative of the Emperor and his family. The finely enamelled dial of this Vulcain Aviator GMT "The Dragon" depicts this powerful symbol embodying cosmic energy and movement.
Vulcain cricket Aviator GMT "The Dragon" limited edition
The Emperor's watch
A fiery gaze, shimmering scales coating a long, supple body, a fierce mouth, a tapering crest: the dragon on the Vulcain Aviator GMT "The Dragon" undulates proudly over the dial of this exclusive limited-edition model. To honour the ancient culture of the "Middle Empire", the brand from Le Locle calls upon the talent of the most skilled artisans.
As a Manufacture whose history is closely bound up with the finest watchmaking traditions, Vulcain confirms its expertise in the art of enamelling, a demanding technique calling for age-old know-how. A past master in this field, the brand uses the distinctive cloisonné enamel technique to create small partitioned receptacles in which the glass powder and metal oxides composing the enamel are placed. To bind this substance to the dial, the artisan heats the piece at an extreme temperature –a sensitive and risky operation in its own right. The partially uncertain and unpredictable nature of the process results a model that is totally unique in terms of its luminous reflections and the play on colours.
Behind this dial, a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship, beats the specially decorated and rhodium-plated Calibre V-13 alarm movement. The latter is endowed with a 42-hour power reserve thanks to its twin barrels. In addition to the hour, minute and seconds functions, the Vulcain Aviator GMT "The Dragon" displays world time on a 24-hour scale, adjustable by a screw-locked crown at 4 o'clock and a mechanical alarm which rings for 20 seconds. Once set off, the sound is effectively diffused by a double case-back acting as a resonance chamber. The 18-carat rose gold 42 mm-diameter case is guaranteed water-resistant to 330 feet. The Vulcain Aviator GMT "The Dragon" is produced in a limited edition of 30.
Le Locle, January 2012
Vulcain cricket Aviator GMT "The Dragon"
Enamel Cloisonné limited edition 30 pieces
REF : 100508.181L
18K pink gold- "The Dragon" cloisonné enamel dial – Black Alligator strap
CASE : 18K pink gold
CASE DIMENSIONS : Diameter 42.00 mm - Length 51.00 mm - Height 14.45 mm
DIAL : Cloisonné enamel « The Dragon » 30 pieces Limited Edition
CALIBRE : Vulcain Cricket V-13 - 12''' hand wound mechanical alarm
FREQUENCY : 18'000 vibrations / hour
RUBIES : 17
POWER RESERVE : 42 hours
ALARM DURATION : 15 to 20 seconds
CRYSTAL : domed shape sapphire, glare proofed
WATER-RESISTANCE : 100 meters/330 feet
STRAP : Alligator leather – Strap dimensions: 22/18 mm
BUCKLE : 18K pink gold, pin type
VULCAIN CRICKET CALIBRE V-13
Technical characteristics :
§ Cloisonné enamel dial, Limited Edition of 30.
§ Vulcain proprietary Cricket Calibre V-13 mechanical hand-wound, double barrel, 157 components. Equipped with the Exactomatic system guaranteeing regular amplitude and enhanced rating precision.
§ Functions: hour, minute, centre seconds, alarm, world time on 24 hours adjustable by a screw-lock crown at 4 o'clock.
§ Double case back acting as a resonance chamber and ensuring the water-resistance down to 100 meters / 330 feet.
Press Release
...on how many dragon watches we will see before this time next year. This could be the biggest bandwagon in modern horological history: the perfect storm of marketing hype meeting the awakening demand in Asia meeting a very auspicious year and a popular motif. Heck, 'dragon' could be the new PVD; the new GT case; the new multiple - axis tourbillon. Arpa will do a dial featuring preserved dragon claw with a genuine dragon skin strap. VC will do a Metiers d'Art series of famous dragons in history
This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-01-25 08:42:16
The Dragon theme is going to get pimp like no tomorrow for sure. On a positive note I await the perfect dragon. The one that's done right. Doing a chinese dragon is always tricky because the dragon is a combination of 10 beasts. Each has a special meaning. The feel that we should get from the dragon is power and respect not fierce and vicious. Also there is element of the fire ball which most designer neglect to put in. This could be interesting year. I should start collecting images to do a yea
Isn't there also some significance attaching to the number of toes the dragon has? Cheers, pplater.
...from all the ones that I've seen. The theme is going to drag on and on and on ....
You're really smokin' tonight, aptro! ;-) Cheers, pplater.
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