With the Malte Tourbillon Openworked, outfitted with the skeletonized Caliber 2790 SQ, Vacheron Constantin’s watchmakers are going for a play of light and shadow using geometric shapes, specifically a triangular motif inspired by pyramids. This tiny pattern can be seen on the bridges and other parts of the movement. All 246 parts of the movement have been hand-drawn and chamfered. This one is in a platinum case, in the traditional tonneau shape of the Malte collection, and features a sapphire dial with slate gray dial ring. And this tourbillon movement isn’t just there to show off its looks: in addition to the hours and minutes, Caliber 2790 SQ also powers a cleverly placed date and power reserve indicator.
In addition to its Gothic-inspired mechanical latticework, the openworked movement in the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon Openworked (Caliber 2260 SQ) provides the watch a power reserve of nearly two weeks. In this skeletonized version of Vacheron’s original 14-Day Tourbillon, you get a closer look at the four stacked barrels that are responsible for that feat, in addition to the other elements of this multi-level movement that have been painstakingly hand-sculpted.
For another view of the Malte Tourbillon, and some other openworked watches that debuted at SIHH 2014, click here.
