In preview mode ahead of the SIHH 2017, Vacheron Constantin unveiled yesterday to new timepieces, the Patrimony moon phase and retrograde date watch and the Traditionnelle minute repeater tourbillon.
This model is enriching the Traditionnelle line, dedicated to a supremely demanding exercise of the watchmaking art inherited from the finest 18th century traditions. Its original Manufacture movement combines two major horological complications: the minute repeater and the tourbillon. The 44 mm timepiece, certified by the Hallmark of Geneva, comes in a choice of pink gold (with silver-toned dial) and platinum (with slate grey or silver-toned dial) versions.
Striking the perfect chord between technical and aesthetic considerations, the Traditionnelle minute repeater tourbillon highlights the expertise of the Manufacture in crafting exceptional timepieces. The dial is graved with a refined hand-guilloché pattern reserved which reflects the inventiveness of the Maison and its mastery of guilloché work – a delicate traditional skill applied to watchmaking from the 18th century onwards.
The hours and minutes hands, made of pink or white gold depending on the versions, are slightly offset towards the upper section of the dial, so as to provide more space for the tourbillon carriage. The 6 o’clock opening provides a chance to admire the stately dance of the tourbillon, which is all the more entrancing in that the caliber beats at the low frequency of 2.5 Hz, a speed characteristic of traditional watchmaking. Fashioned in the shape of Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese cross emblem, the tourbillon carriage features a hand-polished bar that in itself required around 11 hours of meticulous workmanship.
The Traditionnelle minute repeater tourbillon is driven by the new hand-wound Caliber 2755 TMR, designed, developed and produced by Vacheron Constantin. Combining a minute repeater mechanism striking on demand with a tourbillon, it displays the hours and minutes as well as small seconds on the tourbillon carriage. The 58-hour power-reserve indication – with its pink gold pointer whose colour is achieved by a black oxide process – is unusually placed on the back of the watch rather than on the dial. The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the caliber, composed of 471 parts and adorned with 40 jewels, along with its hand-crafted finishes meeting the highest watchmaking standards.
Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques, the Traditionnelle minute repeater tourbillon is fitted with a blue/black or brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, secured with a platinum or rose gold folding clasp. It is delivered with a resonance holder « La Musique du Temps » that serves to amplify the sound and the harmony of the notes struck by the minute repeater.
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