‘Scent and a Timepiece Band’
Vacheron Constantin and Parisian couturier Yiqing Yin have joined forces to create a groundbreaking concept watch called Égérie — The Pleats of Time. The standout feature of this timepiece is a hand-embroidered strap infused with microcapsules of bespoke perfume.
Yin, an ambassador for the brand who previously designed Vacheron Constantin’s Égérie model in 2020, collaborated with Parisian perfumer Dominique Ropion and the brand’s creative team to develop a unique fragrance specifically for this watch. The goal was to add emotional and sensory depth to the Égérie collection, with scent being a novel addition never before seen in the world of watches.
This 37-millimeter 18-karat pink gold watch is a concept piece and will not be available for sale to the public. It made its debut at the Watches and Wonders Geneva fair and will be showcased in various cities globally alongside a gown designed by Yin.
The watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement created in-house, featuring a main dial crafted from lilac mother-of-pearl and adorned with pleats made by machine engraving. The bezel is decorated with 58 round-cut diamonds for an extra touch of luxury.
The calfskin strap is a work of art in itself, embroidered by hand with silk threads to mimic the flow of water. The stitching holds in place pieces of mother-of-pearl and the microcapsules that release fragrance when the wearer moves their wrist.
The perfume, expertly crafted by Ropion, includes notes of honeysuckle, tuberose, ylang-ylang, orange, myrrh, and other elements, creating a unique mix of mineral and marine scents. This isn’t the first time Yin has worked with encapsulated perfume, having previously incorporated it into a dress for an exhibition at the Dubai World Expo.
According to Vacheron Constantin’s product marketing and innovation director, Sandrine Donguy, the fragrance in the watch strap is expected to last for a considerable amount of time due to the innovative microencapsulation technology used. While the exact duration is uncertain, similar textile applications have shown longevity through multiple washes.
Yin’s gown designed to complement the concept watch features an ecologically sensitive nano-dyeing process that embeds metallic particles into the fabric, creating an iridescent effect that changes colors in different lighting conditions.
The collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and Yiqing Yin has resulted in a truly unique and innovative concept watch that pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The fusion of fragrance and fashion in this timepiece sets it apart as a true work of art and a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of both the brand and the designer.
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Keywords: Vacheron Constantin, Yiqing Yin, concept watch, fragrance, microcapsules, perfume, luxury watch, Parisian design, mechanical movement
