Swiss gold, diamond and lapis lazuli set watch Circa 1981

Possibly unique keyless lever oval pendant watch by vacheron & Constantin
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A very fine, possibly unique Swiss 18 carat gold, diamond and lapis lazuli set open faced keyless lever oval pendant watch with mother-of-pearl mosaic dial, circa 1981. Mechanical movement, 20 jewels. Mosaic dial with mother-of-pearl inlay. Oval case, diamond and lapis lazuli inlaid bezel, diamond set crown and pendant hoop, back secured by four screws. Case, dial and movement signed, case and movement numbered.
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Width: 38 mm
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Signed: Vacheron & Constantin Genève
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‘Les Parisiennes’ is the nickname given to this exquisite pendant. Made by one of Vacheron Constantin’s workshops in Paris in the 1980’s, the pendant exudes the grace and elegance one associates with the well dressed ladies of the capital of France, hence ‘Les Parisiennes’. Precursors to the Métiers d’Art collection which was launched in 2004, ‘Les Parisiennes’ highlight the technical prowess of the master artisans to create a collection of pendants adorned with semi precious stones, mother-of-pearl and diamonds. The plethora of colours and intricate geometric designs are reminiscent of pietre dure – the inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones or semi precious to create images or designs. This technique reached its full maturity during the Italian Renaissance in Florence, was wide spread throughout Europe and reached as far East to the court of the Mughals in India where the form was adapted to a local style, its most extravagant manifestation being the Taj Mahal in Agra.