WatchProSite News Central Maîtres du Temps tourbillon pocket watches -12 unique pieces each with Chinese Zodiac dial Mar 11, 2016,10:36 AM Maîtres du Temps continues its cultural approach to the conception of superlative timepieces with a merging of fine watchmaking and artistic expression. The next stage in the journey of Maîtres du Temps is the creation of a series of pocket watches, each a unique piece representing one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. A NEW CHAPTER FOR MAÎTRES DU TEMPS FINE ARTS Pocket Watch Piece unique AnthonyTsa [PuristSPro Moderator] 21557 By manufacturing wristwatches embodying the aspirations and talents of the world s finest watch makers, Maîtres du Temps demonstrated its commitment to technical excellence. In the Fine Arts Chapter, the collaboration embraces the aesthetic elements, looking to the Far East and using the Chinese decorative arts to complement a decidedly Swiss entity, realizing the essence of an objet d art. Blending the two cultures, the Asian and the European, demanded a second, simultaneous blend, that of Art and Mechanics. The pocket watches embody the notions of both Maîtres des Arts and Maîtres du Temps, while also voicing a tenet close to the heart of Maîtres du Temps founder, Mr. Steven Holtzman: Culture is like a bridge, one that connects the disparate elements of a civilization.
For Mr. Fan Zeng, the artist undertaking this challenge, the occasion to work with Maîtres du Temps calls on his myriad talents as a renowned author, humanitarian, poet, and painter. According to the Chinese Concept of Masters, this polymath is regarded as a perfect master. As a champion of returning to the classics and nature, Mr. Fan Zeng recognizes in Maîtres du Temps a like-minded facilitator. Steven Holtzman says, It is an honour and privilege for Mai tres du Temps to work with Mr. Fan Zeng, as he is the epitome of everything our brand represents. 12 original paintings have been produced by Mr Fan Zeng to adorn the white onyx dials of watches that complement his technical specifications. It is yet another blend, one of simplicity and complexity. The watch devised for this project shows only the hours and the minutes, yet its back reveals a power reserve indicator and a one-minute tourbillon.
Each dial highlights both the animal and the personality traits of the zodiac sign it represents. Mr Fan Zeng also includes human beings in the design, to better convey the spirit of each sign, from the delightful Year of The Pig and Year of the Rabbit, to the majesty of the Year of the Dragon. Steven Holtzman says, By collaborating with Mr. Fan Zeng, Mai tres du Temps has been able to bring about the perfect mixture of art, mechanics, and history on a grand level. Mr Fan Zeng adds, I believe that this watch will be a very important part of horological history. Zodiac signs signification The above images describe the harmony between man and nature.
- Horse symbolizes Speed. Zhong Kui rides a horse to get rid of evildoers. - Goat symbolizes Beauty. A beautiful girl tends to her goats by Lake Baikal. - Monkey symbolizes Friendship. Monkeys in the forest also have feelings and befriend an old man. - Roosters symbolize Joy. Children play with young roosters in the spring breeze. - Dog symbolizes Loyalty. A child is waiting for the arrival of a guest with his dog. - Pig symbolizes Harmony. A child is playing tai chi with a piglet and everything is harmonious. - Rat symbolizes Integrity. See The Classic of Poetry: Behold a rat! Its skin has a glossy sheen! Then know that man's demeanor is odious and mean! It means that even a rat has a sense of shame. How can a man be shameless? - Ox symbolizes Hard Working. See Going Home by Tao Yuanming: Country folk will come to tell me that spring has come, and that farming will begin in the western field. It means that - farming starts when spring comes. - Tiger symbolizes Power. A tiger is powerful. - Rabbit symbolizes Prosperity. In a year with a good harvest, children feed rabbits with vegetables. - Dragon symbolizes Energy. Sengyao, a famous painter, did not paint the eyes when he painted dragons. When he did paint the eyes, the dragon came to life and flew away. - Snake symbolizes Rhythm. The snake understands music and dances to the rhythm. Technical Specifications FINE ARTS POCKET WATCH Pièce Unique Pièce unique each piece representing one of 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac Caliber SHC08 Manual winding mechanical movement Dimensions: 32.8 mm x 6.36 mm Number of components: 207 Number of jewels: 33 Power reserve: 60 hours Tourbillon rotation: 60 seconds Balance frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) Finishing: Côtes de Genève, perlage, hand beveling, polished screw heads, straight-grained steelwork Case 18K Red Gold Number of components: 23 Diameter: 46 mm Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating Display back: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating High polish and satin finishes Dial Miniature hand painting on white Onyx
Hands Central hour and minutes hands Power reserve indicator on the back side One-minute tourbillion on the back side
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2016-03-11 10:47:15