Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time The World Has More Time Than You Think (Video)


Vacheron Constantin World Time

Quick: how many time zones are there? 24, right? No, wait… there are a few half-hour zones, so perhaps there are 28, or 30? Keep going. 32? 34? You’re getting warmer. Read on to find the answer, as well as details on one of the hottest watches at SIHH 2011. Several wallpaper images, pricing, and the retail availability date are also included.

World time is a very popular complication among collectors. The most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction was a world time. The dials can have great aesthetic appeal, and in this age of global interconnectedness, it is always handy to know the time around the world at a glance. Yet most world time watches present a partial picture, displaying only the 24 standard time zones. Recently, some manufacturers have trumpeted new models that include the half-hour time zones. Vacheron’s new Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time is the first world time watch to display all 37 time zones, including even those offset from UTC by a quarter hour.

This mechanical magic happens thanks to Vacheron’s new patent-pending Calibre 2460WT, designed, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin and bearing the Geneva Seal. The 36.6mm diameter automatic-winding movement has 255 components and runs in 27 jewels at 28,800 vph with a 40 hour power reserve. The movement is 8.1mm thick. The 22K gold rotor spins on ceramic ball bearings.

The display consists of three dials: the central disk displays a “Lambert projector” type map and city names. Above the map, a sapphire disk shaded on one side indicates day and night. The outer metal chapter ring bears the minute track and applied hour markers.

The display enables simultaneous read-off of the time in all regions of the world, along with the day/night indication provided by the central world map. All indications are adjusted via the crown. The wearer chooses the reference time and places it opposite the black triangle at 6 o’clock. The time in the reference location can then be read off either by the hour hand, or by the 24-hour disc, while the time in the other 36 time zones is simultaneously readable. The cities shown in black represent the full time zones, while the cities in red indicate half-hour or quarter-hour zones.

During our meeting with Vacheron, they advised that as new time zones are created, they will have the ability to update the movement.

The 18K 5N pink gold case measures 42.5mm in diameter and offers 30 meter water resistance. A sapphire display back offers a view of the movement. The brown alligator leather strap is secured by an 18K pink gold folding clasp.

The USA retail price is $39,900. Look for the Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time to begin arriving at retailers in September. This will not be a boutique exclusive. Based on reactions at SIHH, demand for this piece will be high, and though it is not a limited edition, Vacheron can produce relatively few, so the prize will go to those who act quickly.

If you prefer white gold, Vacheron advises that a version in your favorite metal will debut within the next two years.

Technical specifications appear below the images, which may be enlarged substantially with a click.

Vacheron World Time
Vacheron World Time
Vacheron World Time
Vacheron World Time
Vacheron World Time

TECHNICAL DATA

Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time
Reference 86060/000R-9640

Caliber: 2460 WT, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva

Energy: Mechanical, self-winding

Movement diameter: 36.60 mm (11’’’ ¼)

Movement thickness: 8.10 mm

Jewels: 27

Frequency: 4Hz (28’800 Vibrations/hour)

Indications: Hours, minutes and center seconds
World time indication with day/night zone (37 time zones)

Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours

Case: 18K 5N Pink gold
42.50 mm in diameter
Open-worked back with transparent sapphire crystal

Water-Resistance: 3 bar (about 30 meters)

Dial: The display is made of 3 dials:
– 1 dial in sapphire with day / night indication in the center, 24-hour indications inked & engraved
– 1 dial in metal with “Lambert Projection” type map and transferred cities names
– 1 external ring in metal with transferred minute-track and gold applied hour-markers

Strap: Brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scaled Mississippiensis alligator leather

Clasp:18K 5N pink gold triple blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese Cross

Click below for a video of the Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time…

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