the world's first perfume watch debuts at watches and wonders

Vacheron Constantin introduces one-of-a-kind perfume watch

Vacheron Constantin unveiled the world’s first perfume concept watch at Watches and Wonders 2024. Named Égérie – The Pleats of Time, this unique timepiece is the result of a collaboration between the Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, Parisian couturier Yiqing Yin, and master perfumer Dominique Ropion. Yiqing Yin has designed a lilac strap adorned with a delicate pleat pattern and intricate embroidery, which is infused with a bespoke fragrance crafted by Ropion. The fragrance emanates subtly with notes of lavender and orange blossom as the strap gently brushes against the wearer’s wrist.

all images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

Yiqing Yin’s intricate strap meets Dominique Ropion’s fragrance

The Égérie concept watch by Vacheron Constantin (find more here) initiates a conversation bridging three realms: Haute Horlogerie, Haute Couture, and Haute Parfumerie. With a 37 mm pink gold casing adorned with diamonds, it presents a dial devoid of hour markers, encouraging one to engage with time intuitively and emotionally. The dial showcases a ‘pleats’ motif unfolding across its entirety in two stages: a central pattern surrounded by delicate gold ‘pearls’, and an outer pattern extending the folds and creases. The strap by Yiqing Yin (find more here) is embellished with artistic embroidery, incorporating mother-of-pearl fragments amidst silk threads. Yin has opted for a gentle lilac hue, describing it as ‘feminine, ethereal, akin to a delicate manifestation of a reverie.’ Integral yet concealed, a fragrance conceptualized by master perfumer Dominique Ropion is encased within the strap.

As Ropion explains, when evoking the core aims of the process, it was about ‘creating a fragrance that would be universal, like time itself. A mineral scent with pastel, wintry, powdery and iridescent notes, playing with the sun and wisps of smoke.’ Once the fragrance had been defined, the idea was to encapsulate it in the heart of the strap and ‘accept the passage of time in order to breathe and be receptive to wonder’, as Yiqing Yin points out. This led to a comprehensive innovative process in which the droplets of fragrance concentrate were encapsulated. Each component of the strap was then steeped in these encapsulations. The perfume contained in the nanocapsules is released randomly, as the strap rubs against the skin and in step with wrist movements.

the intricate lilac timepiece exudes a feminine, ethereal character

A dress to prolong the experience

To accompany the concept watch, Yiqing Yin created a Haute Couture dress epitomizing its spirit. ‘The light fabrics swirl around the body, creating a pleated, swirling showcase of supernatural hues, evoking the moiré dial diffractions. This undulating silhouette, in harmony with the body, offers a suppleness suspended in time, culminating in the wearer’s movement and the caress of the elements. The evolving volume of the skirt unfolds in sunburst pleats, composed of cascades of iridescent satin that continue their journey in silk chiffon, creating superimposed transparency effects and ever-changing silky reflections that capture the splendor of each given moment. Inspired by the vitality of the elements, this creation celebrates movement’s inherent beauty, where infinity is gracefully reflected in fluidity,’ she shares.

to accompany the concept watch, Yiqing Yin created a Haute Couture dress