Vacheron Constantin | Geneva Salon: A Comprehensive Report!
Vacheron Constantin
Celebrating 100 Years of the Tonneau Case with an Appeal to Refined Taste
Subtly elegant and understated, yet undeniably memorable. Its allure deepens with time, revealing a quiet, unwavering charm. This is the essence of Vacheron Constantin. This year marks the centenary of the tonneau case, a design that has consistently led watchmaking innovation. To commemorate this milestone, special new creations have been unveiled.
Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito
Renowned for its elegant and delicate timepieces, Vacheron Constantin is a brand cherished by royalty and nobility alike. Since its workshop opened in Geneva in 1755, it has continued its watchmaking legacy without interruption, earning it the title of the "world's oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer." In the realm of dress watches, with their pursuit of minimalist design, the brand possesses an unparalleled history.
2012 has proven to be a year that reaffirms its core strengths. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the tonneau model, new timepieces featuring an elegantly curved case, reminiscent of a drawn bowstring, have been introduced. These compriseTourbillonmodels, small seconds models, small models, and a simple two-hand "100th Anniversary Model," totaling four distinct creations.
Among these, the "Maltese Tourbillon" stands out, powered by the newly developed "Caliber 2795" movement, specifically engineered for this case. The most striking feature is the large tourbillon escapement at the 6 o'clock position, inspired by the Maltese cross. To accommodate this cage, the hour and minute hands are offset slightly above the center of the case. Paired with the new, elegantly simple tonneau case, this timepiece highlights the captivating mechanism of the tourbillon, embodying Vacheron's signature minimalist and stylish aesthetic.
Additionally, within the tourbillon-equipped models, the round "Patrimony Traditionnelle" collection also sees the debut of a new model featuring a newly developed movement with a 14-day power reserve.
Maltese Tourbillon
A tourbillon movement developed to complement the case
This new creation features a refined tonneau case, distinct from slimmer profiles, offering a sense of composure and security. It houses the "Caliber 2795," a completely in-house developed tourbillon movement comprising 246 parts, newly engineered to match the case. With a 45-hour power reserve and Vacheron's characteristic leisurely beat of 18,000 vibrations per hour, this model also proudly meets the criteria of the newly revised "Geneva Seal," a detail sure to delight watch connoisseurs.
Manual winding, pink gold case, case dimensions 38 x 48.24 mm, alligator strap. Estimated price ¥15,057,000, expected arrival Autumn.
Maltese Small Seconds
Its beauty unfolds with closer inspection
This "clever" small seconds model showcases Vacheron Constantin's aesthetic and sensibility, achieved through the artful arrangement of simple elements, much like the "Patrimony Traditionnelle" dress watches. Its design, seemingly effortless, reveals increasing beauty upon closer examination. It is powered by the highly regarded in-house manual-winding movement, "Caliber 4400 AS." Like the extra-flat dress watches, this is a model that watch enthusiasts aspire to own.
Manual winding, pink gold case, case dimensions 36.7 x 47.61 mm. Estimated price ¥2,016,000, scheduled for release this Autumn.
Maltese 100th Anniversary Model
A limited edition of 100 ultra-simple two-hand models
This premium platinum case model is released in a limited edition of 100 pieces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the brand's first tonneau model, introduced in 1912. It is powered by the in-house "Caliber 4400" movement, essentially the same as the small seconds model, but with the small seconds subdial intentionally omitted for an even simpler and cleaner aesthetic. This is the ultimate minimalist watch for those who truly understand timepieces.
Manual winding, case dimensions 36.7 x 47.61 mm. Estimated price ¥4,200,000, scheduled for release this Autumn.
Patrimony Traditionnelle 14 Days Tourbillon
A highly coveted 14-day power reserve
Alongside the "Maltese Tourbillon," this next-generation tourbillon model, announced last December, was a highlight of this year's SIHH. The newly developed "Caliber 2260" tourbillon movement features two sets of stacked barrels—four barrels in total—to achieve its remarkable 14-day power reserve (continuous operation for 14 days on a full wind). The tourbillon carriage, the form of the mainplate visible through the case back, and the exquisite finishing are all significant attractions.
Manual winding, pink gold case, case diameter 42 mm. Estimated price ¥22,890,000, expected arrival Autumn.
Vacheron Constantin
Tel.03-3288-6597
http://www.vacheron-constantin.com/jp/