The watch’s manufacture movement, manual-wind Caliber 2260, achieves its 14-day power reserve by means of its four barrels, which are stacked in pairs, interconnected and discharging simultaneously yet four times more slowly than a single barrel would. Caliber 2260, with its two large bridges, boasts a high level of finishing that includes côtes de Genève and hand-beveled interior angles. The tourbillon carriage is designed to look like Vacheron Costantin’s Maltese cross emblem and the rounding off of each tourbillon bar required 11 hours of hand craftsmanship. Both the movement and the finished watch have been awarded the Hallmark of Geneva.
The platinum dial has a sandblasted finish and, as with all Collection Excellence Platine watches, bears the subtle inscription “PT950” between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions, indicating the use of 950 platinum. The contrast saddle stitching on the dark blue Mississippi alligator leather strap is hand-sewn with silk and platinum thread; completing the picture, polished platinum is also used for the folding triple-blade clasp, fashioned in the shape of the Maltese cross. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine, a limited edition of 50 pieces, will retail for $323,500.