VULCAIN 50s Presidents' Cricket Pegasus

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A symbol of Wisdom

To mark the grand opening of the first Vulcain Monoboutique in Beijing and to salute the Chinese 2014 Year of Horse, the Manufacture Vulcain enriches its enamel collection by presenting its new 50s Presidents’ “Pegasus” model. This outstanding new timepiece features a universal symbol of wisdom and knowledge to celebrate Vulcain’s time-honoured watchmaking expertise.

Pegasus is one of the best-known mythological creatures in Greek mythology. He is a winged divine stallion usually depicted as pure white in colour. Greco-Roman poets wrote about his ascent to heaven after his birth and his obedience to Zeus, king of the gods.

He was captured by the Greek hero Bellerophon near the Perene fountain with the help of Athena and Poseidon. Pegasus allowed the hero to ride him to defeat a monster, the Chimera, before accomplishing many other exploits. Because of his faithful service to Zeus, he was rewarded by being transformed into the constellation Pegasus and placed up in the sky.

The symbolism of Pegasus has varied through the ages. An emblem of wisdom and especially of fame from the Middle Ages until the Renaissance, he became a symbol of poetry and the creator of sources from which the poets draw inspiration, particularly in the 19th century. Pegasus is the subject of a very rich iconography, especially expressed in ancient Greek pottery and paintings, as well as Renaissance sculptures.

ON THE MOUNTAIN AND IN THE SKY

Pegasus was raised by the Muses at Mount Helicon, where he was taken by the goddess Athena. In his excitement for being given to these women, Pegasus struck the side of the mountain with his hooves and his marks caused springs to turn into flowing fountains of inspiration.
Those springs became sacred to the Muses who loved and respected the “flying horse”. From then on, wherever the winged horse struck the earth with his hooves , an inspiring spring burst forth.

After flying back to heaven, Pegasus lived on Mt Olympus until his last day and served Zeus with his thunder and lightning magic powers. 

GRAND FEU CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL

Technical characteristics
Cloisonné is an enamelling technique in which the outline of the dial design is produced either on the dial itself, or on paper. Extremely fine strips of gold wire measuring only 0.07 mm wide are hand bent and applied to the outline using two pliers. The individual cells that give the image detail, dimension and nuance are also formed by gold wire and placed within the outline.

Colours are then picked out for each cell in order to create the cloistered or partitioned effect. Five layers of enamel are applied to the cloisonné dial. This meant that a cloisonné dial has all coloured cells filled in and fired in the kiln for a total of five to seven times before it is ready to be polished. These multiple levels of colour create the sense of depth and three dimensions that make the enamel dials come to life.

Grand Feu enamelling is one of the most difficult techniques employed in the art of decorating watches, and also offers the greatest durability. The master artisan does not paint the motif directly on the watch, but instead applies different enamels on the dial. The enameller then fires his piece of work several times to enable the motif and colours to appear gradually. Grand Feu enamelling creates an unalterable and refined decoration.

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50S PRESIDENTS’ CRICKET “PEGASUS”
IN THE SKY & ON THE MOUNTAIN GRAND FEU CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL
Limited Edition - Each model is individually-numbered and limited to 18 pieces

CASE

  • Case: 5N 18K pink gold
  • Case-back: sapphire revealing the stylised “V” for Vulcain
  • Dial: “Grand Feu” cloisonné enamel
  • Diameter: 42.00 mm
  • Height: 14.60 mm
  • Glass: domed shape sapphire crystal
  • Water resistance: 5 ATM
MANUFACTURE VULCAIN SELF-WINDING CRICKET
CALIBRE V-20
  • Movement: 12-lignes mechanical unidirectional self- winding alarm calibre, ceramic ball bearings, 31 jewels, 229 components, double barrel, equipped with Exactomatic system, lift angle 48°
  • Decoration: rhodium coating, Côtes de Genève motifs, blued screws Functions: hour, minute, centre seconds, alarm
  • Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour
  • Power reserve: 42 hours
  • Duration of the alarm: circa 20 seconds

STRAP

  • Strap: black Louisiana alligator leather
  • Dimensions: 22/18 mm
  • Buckle: 5N 18K pink gold pin buckle