The new Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase collection is the designated line for the brand’s take on ladies’ watches. 3 case sizes are available, namely at 30mm, 35mm and 37mm. The largest case houses the moonphase complication. The 37mm Egérie Moon Phase with the tapestry dial is available in pink gold and stainless steel. The latter version comes with a bracelet while the former comes with different colored straps. No less than 36 round-cut diamonds surround the moon and its starry sky, behind clouds of mother-of-pearl. The moon phase is perfectly combined with the dial which at first glance resembles a guilloché motif. A slight difference in nomenclature, the technique used on the dial is described as the tapestry technique, which resembles the delicate pleating of an Haute Couture fabric. This 18K 5N pink gold watch is set with 58 round-cut diamonds and a cabochon moonstone between 1 and 2 o’clock. The Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase watch is sold with three interchangeable alligator-leather straps, which can be easily swapped via a quick release pusher at the back. The stainless steel version is identical in case apart from the color of the metal, and uses a matching blue hand and silver toned arabic numerals. Under scrutiny, the dial displays several layers of contrasting textures, with a moonphase disc that romanticises the dial’s appearance. The simple yet poetic complication makes the 37mm variant the creme de la creme of the collection. The 37mm size however, as compared to the 35mm automatic and 30mm quartz is on the larger side for most ladies with a delicate wrist size. The 1088 L caliber is used on the Egérie Moon Phase. The relatively slim 5.03mm movement enable a slim profile on the 10.08mm thick watch. Otherwise, the movement has basic specifications, with 40 hours power reserve and a frequency of 28800 v.p.h. We asked around and heard that the main concern among female watch fans is the size of the watch. While most find 34 mm acceptable for a ladies’ dress watch, the 37mm case size hangs on the large side. It also has a less favored small movement big case, which necessitates are larger dial size with periphery blank space. The Egérie focuses on the beauty of the dial side, but it seems like more could be done with the movement finishing.
A few weeks ago, Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase launched a brand new women’s collection – Égérie. It was a re-creation of an old line (with a very different look) but with a decidedly modern take. The new collection was based on the designs of haute couture with each watch boasting refined details and decidedly “feminine” touches.
As a follow up to the five references that debuted last month, Vacheron has released the latest and last model for this collection for the time being – the Moon Phase Jewelry. It is basically the same as the Moon Phase, but it is entirely iced out with 1,345 diamonds that weigh approximately 11.95 ct. The case is still 37mm, and the movement is still the caliber 1088 L and exemplifies a new design that will hopefully push more women to invest in Vacheron’s exceptional watchmaking. Diamond watches are not new for Vacheron. In fact, the company has been making diamond-set watches since its beginning. The Malte collection, the Patrimony collection, and the Traditionelle all have diamond-set examples in their line-up. The Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase collection is no different. This flooded version is really beautiful when you take a closer look, and you have to admire the level of difficulty that it took to set 1,345 diamonds. However, I do often wonder who is buying these types of watches and whether or not they are made for profit or to show off craftsmanship. Either way, it’s still a beauty to behold, and even though it could be viewed as distasteful in today’s climate, something this pretty still brings a smile to my face.
