Vacheron Constantin Launches New Watches in Hong Kong


Vacheron Constantin Watches & WondersVacheron Constantin launched several new watches, including an ultra-complicated piece with astronomical displays, at the recent Hong Kong “Watches and Wonders” fair. Three new Patrimony models also debuted. Here are six new Vacheron Constantin watches that caught our eye.


Maître Cabinotier Astronomica

The Maître Cabinotier Astronomica is the star among the new Vacheron models launched at the Hong Kong Watches & Wonders show. This unique piece brings together 15 haute horlogerie complications, including several of the astronomical variety, that are displayed on the back of this two-sided timepiece.

The Astronomica’s caliber 2755-B1 movement is one of the most complex ever created by Vacheron Constantin. The manual-wind movement consists of 839 parts, all contained in a space measuring only 33.9 mm in diameter and 12.15 mm thick. The case housing all of these displays measures 47 mm x 19 mm.

In addition to the time of day, the front displays include equation of time; perpetual calendar with date, day of the week, month and leap years; the power reserve; and the sunrise and sunset times. The one-minute tourbillon features a carriage shaped like the company’s trademark Maltese cross. The minute repeater incorporates Vacheron’s silent centripetal flying strike governor, which regulates the duration of the musical sequence.

The back of this timepiece displays seven useful and interesting functions: a sky chart, the solstice, the equinox, sidereal time, the age and phases of the moon, the seasons, and the zodiac signs.

The Maître Cabinotier Astronomica is a unique piece, and the price is not disclosed.

Vacheron Constantin Astronomica
With 15 complications displayed on both sides of the watch, Caliber 2755-B1 is among the most complicated ever created by Vacheron Constantin.
Vacheron Constantin Astronomica
The back of the Astronomica includes several astronomical displays.

 

Malte Tourbillon Openworked

Vacheron Constantin has long been known for creating superb timepieces with openworked, or skeletonized, movements. Collectors appreciate these watches because openworking performed by hand is itself an art requiring great skill, and the result reveals the movement’s inner workings, greatly increasing the ability to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the mechanism.

The openworking process requires engineering and artistic skill of the highest order. The goal is to remove as much material as possible from the mainplate, bridges, and other caliber components while leaving enough to ensure perfect mechanical functionality. The remaining metal must be meticulously finished and decorated, and the final product must be aesthetically pleasing.

The shaped Geneva Hallmark Caliber 2790 SQ in the Malte Tourbillon Openworked represents the pinnacle of the art, with its geometrical forms, fine polished angles, and intricate decoration. The prominent tourbillon at 6 o’clock commands attention, and it is accompanied by discreet pointer-date and power-reserve displays. Vacheron Constantin surrounds the openworked caliber with a platinum tonneau case set with 38 baguette-cut diamonds.

The Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Openworked is priced at $354,700.

Vacheron Constantin  Malte Tourbillon Openworked
The stone-setting and openworking in the Malte Tourbillon Openworked represent hand craftsmanship at the highest level.

 

Traditionnelle Moon Phase and Power Reserve

Watches & Wonder also saw the introduction of the new Traditionnelle Moon Phase and Power Reserve wristwatch for women. The 36-mm case, available in pink or white gold, surrounds a white mother-of-pearl dial. The bezel, lugs and crown are set with 81 diamonds for a total of approximately 1.2 carats.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, dauphine hands point to faceted, gold hour markers. The hand-wound manufacture Caliber 1410 features a moon-phase display with a high-precision gear train accurate to one day in 122 years. The movement also offers a pointer-type indication of its 40-plus-hour power reserve. As can be seen through the sapphire caseback, its movement, Caliber 1410, bears the Hallmark of Geneva.

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Moon Phase and Power Reserve is priced at $43,500.

Vacheron Constantin  Traditionnelle Moon Phase and Power Reserve
Diamonds, white mother-of pearl, and a romantic moon phase display combine to create an exquisite feminine timepiece.

 

Leave a Reply