Vacheron Constantin strengthens its special ties with France by inaugurating its first boutique in Paris – the 36th in the world. The prestigious address is no. 2, Rue de la Paix, a temple of luxury not far from the Opéra Garnier, of which Vacheron Constantin is a patron. This 85m2 area combining noble materials and refined elegance is set to become the new venue for connoisseurs and collectors of Fine Watchmaking. For its interior decoration, Vacheron Constantin enlisted the talents of great French master artists and artisans who, like the firm itself, cultivate traditional skills – whether in the field of lighting, marble mosaics or wrought-iron work. In addition to the entire range of collections from the Manufacture, the Paris Boutique will also present exclusive models such as a vintage line christened “Vacheron Constantin Les Collectionneurs”. The inauguration of this warm, intimate setting signals a new further strengthening of ties with France which, since the 19th century, has played a key role in promoting the brand’s international reputation.
To celebrate this event, Vacheron Constantin presents four exclusive timepieces issued in limited editions:
• a one-of-a-kind version of the Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2755 grand complication model
• a 10-piece limited edition of the Patrimony Traditionnelle chronograph
• a 75-piece limited edition of the Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds
• a 75-piece limited edition of the Patrimony Traditionnelle small model diamond-set
These special “Paris Boutique” models are distinguished by their finely hand-guillloché dial – one of the many artistic crafts cultivated by the Manufacture – as well as by their Mississipiensis alligator leather strap featuring a warm chestnut brown colour. The case-back is engraved with the address “2, rue de la Paix”, along with the individual limited-series number.
The one-of-a-kind Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2755, as well as the limited-edition Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds and Patrimony Traditionnelle small model all bear the prestigious Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva), the ultimate emblem of Genevan watchmaking – a guarantee of origin, precision, durability and expertise that encompasses both the technical and aesthetic aspects of the watch, as well as all phases in its production.
On the occasion of the opening of its new Parisian Boutique, the Manufacture also asked photographer Thierry des ouches to illustrate his vision of Vacheron Constantin in Paris. On the www.2ruedelapaix.fr website, five owners of timepieces from the brand tell the story of their watches, their Paris, their love of all things exceptional and the values they share with the Geneva-based House.
Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2755 one-of-a-kind Paris Boutique model
A true masterpiece by Vacheron Constantin, the Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2755 grand complication model is issued in a one-of-a-kind “Paris Boutique” version featuring an unusual exterior.
Rare, complex and exclusive: such as the adjectives applying to this exceptional watch. Crafted in a limited edition of one to mark the inauguration of the Paris Boutique, this 18K 5N pink gold timepiece is distinguished by its hand-guilloché opaline silver-toned dial and its chestnut brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap. It pays magnificent tribute to the expertise acquired by the world’s oldest manufacturer that has been operating non-stop since 1755.
Entirely developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin, hand-wound Calibre 2755 (602 parts) combines the three major Fine Watchmaking complications – a minute repeater, a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar – along with a power-reserve display on a bridge on the back of the movement.
Among these three complications, the minute repeater is the one that has been dealt with in the most original manner, once again proving, if proof were needed, that the Manufacture is still one of the most innovative in the world. To push back technical limits and increase the user friendliness of this model, the Vacheron Constantin engineers and master-watchmakers have developed an original centripetal flying strike governor that accurately drives the speed of the striking hammers, while eliminating the background noise that lever-based systems generally produce. Curious connoisseurs will be able to admire the rotation of this governor through the sapphire exhibition back, along with the meticulous chamfering of the bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève and the circular graining of the mainplate.
The tourbillon makes light of the effects of gravity in order to enhance the precision of the movement; it is also distinguished by its transparent construction revealing the beating heart of the watch, and by its carriage openworked to form the Maltese Cross, the brand emblem.
Bearing the prestigious Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva), Calibre 2755 meets the requirements of this symbol of horological durability and perfection.
Meanwhile, the perpetual calendar, the “memory of time to come” is capable of keeping track with the vagaries of the Gregorian calendar without any intervention other than changing the date in century years that are not leap years.
With its 44 mm-diameter round case, its timeless classicism and its aura of restrained elegance, the Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2755 one-of-a-kind “Paris Boutique” model reinterprets the grand watchmaking tradition in resolutely contemporary language. Particular care has been lavished on ensuring the readability of all the functions, and the oversized counters as well as the subtly off-centred hand-fitting enhance the overall clarity while highlighting the tourbillon carriage.
Two engravings on the caseback soberly indicate the unique and exceptional nature of this watch “N° 1/1” and “2, rue de la Paix” appearing on the power-reserve zone.
TECHNICAL DATA
Reference: 80172/000R-9814
Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755
Special product for Paris Vacheron Constantin Boutique
Caliber 2755, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
Hallmark of Geneva certified
Energy: Mechanical, manual-winding
Movement: diameter 33.90 mm (14’’’ ¾)
Movement thickness: 7.90 mm
Jewels: 40
Number of parts: 602
Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18’000 vibrations/hour)
Power reserve: Approximately 58 hours
Indications: Hours, minutes
Small seconds on tourbillon carriage
Minute repeater
Tourbillon
Perpetual calendar (day of the week, date, month, leap year)
Power reserve on the back of the watch
Case: 18K/carats 5N pink gold
44 mm diameter, 13.60 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback, closed with screws
Water resistance: Not water resistant
