In a fast-paced world dominated by robust sports models, Vacheron Constantin released an eclectic limited series collection in the 90s, boasting intricate enamel dials inviting collectors to take a step back and admire this Métiers d'Art. Referencing the life-like drawings by naturalist Jean-Jacques Audubon, the firm used a mixture of champlevé enamelling and miniature painting techniques to bring his vision of the "Bird of America" to life. Introduced in 1996, this was a highly exclusive release of wristwatches depicting ten different species of birds, each made into a limited series of 10 pieces.

A portal into the natural world, the present ref. 43060/000J-8434 depicts a portion of Audubon’s “La Perruche de Caroline”, reimagined by the renowned master enamellist Anita Porchet, featuring a dynamic group of four Carolina parakeet. Declared extinct in 1939, this species of small green neotropical parrot have popularised thanks to its vibrant coat of feathers with a bright yellow head, reddish-orange face and pale beak. Completed in 1996, the dial is not the only work of art in this watch as the hinged case back opens to reveal its beautifully finished movement bearing the desirable Geneva seal. The rotor of the extra slim cal. 1120 has furthermore been elegantly skeletonised and engraved.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the present watch is physical proof that haute horlogerie and art can be one.