Introducing: The Vacheron Constantin Égérie collection

Women pioneered the wristwatch. While men were still content with pockets and chains, fashion-forward women were experimenting with dainty time-telling bracelets that became the blueprint for the modern wristwatch. Vacheron Constantin was in the vanguard of historic marques putting their names on women’s wrists — their first dedicated women’s wristwatch dates back to 1889. And in the decades — nay, centuries — since, Vacheron Constantin has continually experimented with women’s wristwatches, with diamonds, design and decoration always underpinned by the brand’s watchmaking know-how.

The process of creating fine feminine watchmaking continues today, with the announcement of the Égérie collection — a dedicated women’s line that is directly inspired by the dual worlds of haute horlogerie and haute couture. Both the highest executions within their respective fields that see an equal focus on peerless quality and creativity, melding to create something beautiful and precious.

For Égérie, that beauty is all about the interplay of texture and shape. The collection of five new models, with either a moon phase or date complication (each offered in pink gold and steel, with an additional fully pavé option). The cases are classically round pebble shape — 35mm for the date and 37mm for the moon phase, but there’s a twist, literally. Much like the cult classic Historiques American 1921, the entire movement has been given a 45-degree tweak, seeing the crown and small complication positioned — unusually, but comfortably — at the two o’clock position. The unusual layout isn’t the only remarkable element of this dial. There’s a series of overlapping or concentric rings which make for strong design. The diamond-set bezel is echoed with the circle of diamonds that frames the subdial. The hours sit on their own crisp silvered opaline ring, while the central and outer sections have a ‘pleated’ pattern that is compelling and crisp.

The self-winding model is powered by the caliber 1088, visible through an open caseback and open-worked 22k rotor, with a Geneva stripe finishing and 40 hours of power reserve. The moon phase is a different creature entirely. With a crown set with moonstone and a moon phase display in delicate mother-of-pearl that evokes a cloudy, starry night. This watch is powered by a variant of Caliber 1088, the 1088 L. The fully pavé version takes the moon phase up a few notches, with 292 diamonds on the white gold case and 510 on the dial. Dazzling indeed.

For the straps we see the now de rigueur quick change option. Gold versions are delivered with three alligator straps, while the stainless steel models are delivered on a bracelet. So, whether for daily wear or the dressiest of occasions, the Vacheron Constantin Égérie is cut from the right cloth.

Vacheron Constantin Égérie self-winding

Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase

Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase Diamond-Paved