Vacheron Constantin Marks the Year of the Horse with Artistic Métiers d’Art Editions and a Striking Titanium Overseas Tourbillon

As the Lunar New Year draws near, Vacheron Constantin is stepping into 2026 with two very different, yet deeply connected creations. One is a poetic tribute to the Year of the Horse, rooted in centuries-old craftsmanship. The other is a strikingly modern Overseas Tourbillon in titanium and deep red, built for collectors who love cutting-edge watchmaking with everyday wearability.

Together, they tell one clear story: tradition and innovation don’t compete at Vacheron Constantin; they move forward side by side.

Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Horse

For the Year of the Horse, Vacheron Constantin expands its celebrated Métiers d’Art “Legend of the Chinese Zodiac” series with two limited editions of just 25 pieces each, one in 18K 5N pink gold and the other in 950 platinum. Both come in a refined 40mm case and are powered by the in-house Calibre 2460 G4, a movement designed specifically to give the dial centre stage.

Instead of traditional hour and minute hands, the watch uses four rotating discs displayed through apertures around the dial. Hours and minutes appear at the top, while day and date sit at the bottom. Why does this matter? Because it leaves the centre completely open, and that’s where the magic happens.

At the heart of the watch is a sculpted horse, captured mid-motion as it leaps over a rock. It’s not stamped or printed. It’s hand-engraved in gold by a master artisan. Fine details like the mane and tail are carved by hand, then subtly patinated to create depth and realism. After engraving, miniature enamel painting enhances shading and colour. Just the applied horse figure alone takes around three days to complete.

Behind it, the background blends grand feu enamel and delicate miniature painting. The dial is fired at temperatures exceeding 800°C, multiple times, to achieve rich gradients and tonal depth. The enamelling work alone can take close to two weeks. The result? A scene that feels alive. The horse appears powerful yet graceful, symbolising strength, prosperity, and forward motion, values deeply connected to the Lunar New Year.

Flip the watch over, and you’ll see the movement through a sapphire caseback. The 22K gold oscillating weight features an openworked Maltese Cross, beautifully finished with traditional Haute Horlogerie techniques and stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Each version is paired with a matching alligator strap,  brown for the pink gold version and blue for the platinum.

Overseas Tourbillon

While the Métiers d’Art piece looks to cultural artistry, the new Overseas Tourbillon speaks the language of modern travel and technical performance. This is the first Overseas model to combine grade 5 titanium with a deep red dial, and the contrast is dramatic.

Titanium makes the watch significantly lighter than steel while offering impressive strength and corrosion resistance. At just 10.39mm thick, the case houses the ultra-thin Calibre 2160. This automatic movement measures only 5.65mm thick and delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

Instead of a traditional central rotor, it uses a peripheral oscillating weight, allowing a full, unobstructed view of the movement. The tourbillon itself features a peripheral drive system, improving energy transmission while maintaining slim proportions. Like the Métiers d’Art model, this movement also meets the standards of the Hallmark of Geneva, with hand-finished bridges, circular graining, and polished details throughout.

Tourbillons were once considered too fragile for sporty watches. That mindset is changing. Thanks to modern materials and engineering improvements, this Overseas proves that high complications can coexist with durability. Combined with titanium’s strength and lightness, this becomes a serious daily-wear tourbillon, not just a safe queen.

The deep red sunburst dial pulls your eye straight toward the tourbillon aperture, adding warmth and personality to an otherwise technical watch. It comes with three interchangeable options, an integrated titanium bracelet featuring a comfort-adjustment system, along with two interchangeable rubber straps in red and white that can be swapped without tools.

On one side, you have centuries-old engraving and enamel artistry honouring Chinese tradition. On the other hand, a forward-looking titanium tourbillon is built for modern travel.

Vacheron Constantin’s 2026 releases show that heritage doesn’t mean standing still. It means carrying craftsmanship forward,  whether that’s through a hand-engraved zodiac horse or a high-performance tourbillon in titanium. As we enter the Year of the Horse, a symbol of courage, ambition, and momentum, these timepieces feel especially timely. And if this is how Vacheron Constantin starts the year, 2026 is already off to a powerful stride.