VACHERON CONSTANTIN UNVEILS NEW TIMEPIECES AT WATCHES & WONDERS 2024
Vacheron Constantin, the luxury Swiss watchmaking Maison with nearly 270 years of expertise and continuous history, is delighted to unveil new timepieces at Watches & Wonders 2024.
Vacheron Constantin presents “From Geometry to Artistry”, an exhibition illustrating the subtle alchemy that transforms mechanical watchmaking into objets d’art. Selected from among some 1,600 timepieces in Maison’s heritage, an array of rare and exceptional watches will travel the world throughout 2024.
EGERIE, THE PLEATS OF TIME, A CONCEPT WATCH
In their quest for refinement and a shared vision of excellence, the manufacturer and the Haute Couture designer, Yiqing Yin have come up with the Égérie The Pleats of time, a conceptwatch. This creation orchestrates a dialogue between three worlds: Haute Horlogerie,HauteCouture and Haute Parfumerie. The roundness of the 37 mm pink gold caseembellished with diamonds, the ‘pleats’ pattern adorning the powdered lilac dial, as well asthe asymmetrical geometry so cherished by the Maison whose name appears at 8 o’clockin a diagonal with the moon phase and crown at 2 o’clock. All combine to create a refinedand original feminine silhouette into which Yiqing Yin has instilled an aesthetic appeal thatawakens the senses. The Maison and the Haute Couture designer also called on Frenchmaster perfumer Dominique Ropion to craft an original fragrance that is encapsulated in thewatch strap.
ÉGÉRIE MOON PHASE
Inspired by the refinement of Haute Couture and Vacheron Constantin’s aesthetic heritage,the Égérie collection welcomes a moon phase watch issued in a 100-piece limited seriesdeveloped with designer Yiqing Yin. Paired with a choice of three interchangeable straps,this edition with its 37 mm pink gold case and gemset bezel adopts subtle lilac hues whileretaining the collection’s aesthetic codes: the mother-of-pearl dial is alternately smooth ordecorated with a “pleats” motif, while the moon phase appears as part of a subtle diagonalline formed by the Vacheron Constantin logo and the crown.
GRAND LADY KALLA
In 2024, the Grand Lady Kalla honours the name that inspired it, the Greek word kallista meaning “the most beautiful”. From the first sketch in the design studio to the finalpolishing operation, the new creation embodies a wealth of superlatives. The subtlety ofthe adjustments is matched by their virtuoso execution. The 57 facets of the emerald-cutdiamonds chosen for this new piece underline their crystal-clear clarity. Slightly slimmed down to reflect contemporary tastes, the dial is distinguished by the meticulous work of themaster gem-setter who has adorned it with modernised prongs. Reduced to a minimum toprovide space for the hands, they are triangular on the bracelet and case middle to highlightthe stones; or pyramid-shaped to form the Maison’s iconic Maltese cross sparkling in thelight. The sautoir necklace featuring onyx and diamonds, as well as Akoya pearl tasselschosen for their luster and their roundness, creates an appealing dialogue between Art Decoand the 21stc entury.
LES CABINOTIERS – THE BERKLEY GRAND COMPLICATION
Vacheron Constantin presents the world’s most complicated watch. Comprising 63 horological complications and 2,877 components, it surpasses the record already held by the Maison with Reference 57260. This world-first timepiece is distinguished by the fact that it features a genuine Chinese perpetual calendar. Given the particularities of this lunisolar calendar characterised by a complex and irregular cycle, the mechanical programming of in-house Calibre 3752 through to 2200 is a feat of horological genius. Stemming from 11 years of development, including a year entirely devoted to its assembly, Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication is a milestone in contemporary watchmaking history. Similar in design to the Reference 57260 presented in 2015, Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication was born from the will of the same commissioner who has chosen to give it his name.
OVERSEAS GREEN DIALS
Intense green has been added to the dials and interchangeable straps of fournew Overseas models in pink gold, a first for this collection. In perfect harmony with the spirit of travel, this new hue can now be found on the dials of the 35mm gemset, 41 mm date, 42.5 mm chronograph and 41 mm dual time models.Water-resistant to 150 metres, each of these new timepieces is equipped with atop-quality self-winding calibre featuring meticulous finishing. The movementsfeature an oscillating weight engraved with the collection’s emblematic compassrose. On these four models, just as on all Overseas watches, the pink gold braceletwith folding clasp is easily adjustable. It can be replaced by a calfskin leather strapor a green rubber strap, each with an interchangeable pin buckle.
OVERSEAS TOURBILLON: AN ALL-TITANIUM TECHNICAL WATCH
A new version of the Overseas tourbillon model, entirely made oftitanium with the collection’s emblematic blue dial. A self-winding tourbillon model powered by ultra-thin ManufactureCalibre 2160. Three interchangeable bracelet/straps delivered with the watch:titanium, calfskin leather, rubber.Vacheron Constantin is expanding its range of titanium watches with an Overseastourbillon model. Entirely made of titanium, from case to bracelet and from crownto bezel, this model graced with the collection’s emblematic blue dial is poweredby ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 2160. Equipped with a tourbillon regulator visibleat 6 o’clock through a dial opening, the movement features an 22K gold peripheraloscillating weight winding the calibre and ensuring a comfortable over three-daypower reserve. With its extremely meticulous finishing of both the titanium caseand the movement, this Overseas tourbillon is perfectly aligned with the spiritof this travel-dedicated collection. It comes with an integrated titanium bracelet (equipped with a titanium Grade 5 triple-blade folding clasp) that can be swapped out tool-free for two additional blue calfskin and rubber straps (delivered with a self-interchangeable titanium Grade 5 folding clasp).
PATRIMONY MANUAL-WINDING – PATRIMONY MOON PHASE RETROGRADE DATE
At first glance, nothing has changed: the design is understated, undeniably elegant, timelessyet incredibly contemporary. Nonetheless, the Patrimony manual-winding timepiece asit has existed since 2004 has definitely evolved – starting with the size of the two newmanual-winding models that are ideal for any wrist. Already appreciated for its 40 mm size,the case sculpted in pink or white gold now features a classic 39 mm diameter. This aestheticis echoed on the collection’s signature convex dial, whose sunburst-finished surface isattired in a new old-silver-toned colour. This shade providing a hint of retro styling contrastswith the pink gold of the Patrimony collection’s characteristic slim hands, hour-markersand circular ‘pearl’ minutes track composed by 48 polished 18K gold pearls. In addition tothese stylistic evolutions, the alligator leather straps are available in original new azureblue or olive-green colours, adding a fresh touch to the naturally understated nature of thePatrimony. As a final aesthetic detail, the closed caseback enables the owner of the watch topersonalise it with a text or design of their choice, delicately engraved in gold.
TRADITIONNELLE TOURBILLON CHRONOGRAPH
The Traditionnelle tourbillon chronograph 50-piece limited edition has joined the Collection Excellence Platine. Combining two noble complications with the latest technological advances, this model pays tribute to the grand watch making traditions with an aesthetic that is as functional as it is original in terms of its display. Attired inplatinum throughout its 42.5 mm-diameter case, crown, dial, clasp and strap stitching,this watch is powered by Calibre 3200. Developed to mark the brand’s 260thanniversary,this movement incorporates a monopusher chronograph with a tourbillon regulator.These two complications have been technically optimised for reliability, precisionand user friendliness. The perfectly legible dial features a large tourbillon aperture at12o’clock, while the 45-minute chronograph counter is positioned at 3 o’clock andthe power-reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. The movement’s mechanical characteristicscan be admired through the sapphire caseback, including its column-wheel adornedwith a Maltese cross, its lateral friction clutch, its two hammers for zero-resetting thechronograph hands, as well as the peripheral tourbillon drive. The meticulous finishingendows this Traditionnelle tourbillon chronograph with a special radiance stemming froma blend of mechanical complexity and aesthetic elegance.