Creativity has been the watchword at Vacheron Constantin for over 250 years. The history of the Geneva-based manufacturer is punctuated by timepieces testifying to this ability to combine boldness, technical breakthroughs and deliberate aesthetic choices. 1954 witnessed a particularly striking demonstration of this creative momentum. Stemming from a determination to highlight the richness of the Vacheron Constantin heritage, the Historiques collection is designed to revive models symbolising the spirit and the expertise of the brand through contemporary reinterpretations of these legendary watches.
The Historiques Aronde 1954 is a perfect example of this approach. Featuring a rectangular case that stands out from the current range offered by the Manufacture, this newcomer is distinguished by its distinctive shape inspired by a 1954 Vacheron Constantin model. Embodying the creative verve of the post-war years, this 31.2 x 44.5 mm pink gold case features a complex construction alternating polished and brushed surfaces and a highly original double-rounded curve along the case flanks.
This distinctive watch with a resolutely vintage spirit beats to the rhythm of Calibre 1400 AS, a mechanical hand-wound movement developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Equipped with a balance oscillating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), it has an approximately 40-hour power reserve. This movement bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva features meticulous finishing and drives indications of the hours, minutes, and small seconds in a rectangular counter at 6 o’clock.
A longstanding part of the Vacheron Constantin heritage, the World Time complication is making a noteworthy comeback in the collections from the Manufacture. The new Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time from Vacheron Constantin pays tribute to a complication inextricably bound up with the history of the Geneva-based manufacturer. It is also entwined with the theme of travel : Jean-Marc Vacheron and his successors repeatedly travelled the world to deliver their exceptional timepieces. A pioneer in the development and production of innovative watches, the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin displayed the same approach in being resolutely open to the world at large. Created in 1755 in Geneva and currently boasting over 255 years of uninterrupted history, Vacheron Constantin soon became committed to exploring the planet…
Eager to make a major new contribution to the history of this complication, the master-watchmakers and engineers at Vacheron Constantin set about creating a mechanical movement capable not only of indicating full time zones, but also partial time zones so as to reflect the exact temporal reality of the 37 world time zones. Many countries have indeed adopted a half-hour or quarter-hour difference from UTC, and the new Calibre 2460 WT from Vacheron Constantin takes account of these specific characteristics. The indication of the 37 time zones as proposed by Vacheron Constantin in its Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time model is as complete as one could possibly imagine. The display is composed of three dials: a sapphire crystal dial with a unique day/night shading; a metal dial with a “Lambert projector” type map; and a metal chapter ring. Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,000 vibrations per hour) and endowed with a 40-hour power reserve, mechanical self-winding Calibre 2460WT drives displays of the hours, minutes, central seconds and World Time. It 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, thus considerably simplifying the use of this highly technical watch. A patent has been filed for the new Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460WT bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva

 

Vacheron Constantin is enriching its Overseas collection with the launch of two models representing the future of this elegant and technical line. The Overseas Chronograph perpetual calendar “Boutiques Exclusive” model signals the arrival of a grand complication in this Fine Watchmaking collection with a sporting vocation. The combination of two major complications – among the most sought-after by devotees of mechanical Fine Watchmaking – is indeed a first for the Overseas line, which welcomes the remarkable 228-part Calibre 1136 QP. This mechanical self-winding movement – as one would expect from a sports watch – beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and is endowed with an approximately 40-hour power reserve. In addition to the hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o’clock, Calibre 1136 QP powers the chronograph function as well as the perpetual calendar indicating the day of the week, the date, and the month on a 48-year cycle, complete with leap-year display and moon phases.
This newcomer to the Overseas collection comes in a generous 42 mm case that is water-resistant to 15 bar (approximately 150 metres). The collection’s emblematic bezel inspired by the Maltese Cross is made in titanium – as are the pushpiece guards – while the steel case incorporates a soft iron cage protecting the mechanical movement from magnetic fields. Another signature feature of the Overseas collection, the screw-down caseback features a medallion engraved with the famous Amerigo Vespucci three-masted sailing ship. Admirably complementing the chromatic theme of the steel case and titanium bezel, the sunburst satin-brushed slate grey dial is distinguished by 18-carat white gold applied hour-markers highlighted by a white luminescent substance. A first for Vacheron Constantin, the use of yellow to underscore the three hands relating to the chronograph function lends an additional dynamic touch and guarantees excellent readability.
All the ingredients are united here to make this new model a benchmark within the collection. The Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar “Boutiques Exclusive” is issued in an 80-piece limited series exclusively reserved for the 27 Vacheron Constantin boutiques worldwide.
With the Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding, Vacheron Contantin is beginning a new chapter in the history of the collection. The case, the design and the ergonomics of this new Overseas model – which retains all the identifying characteristics of the collection – are specifically intended for women. Its outstanding elegance is matched by its technical complexity, as embodied in the refined 36 mm 18-carat pink gold case fitted with a solid screw-in caseback adorned with the Overseas medallion bearing the engraving of the famous Amerigo Vespucci three-masted sailing vessel. In response to women’s ever growing attraction to fine mechanical watchmaking, the slender cases houses Calibre 1226, a 143-part mechanical self-winding movement. It beats at a frequency of 28,000 vibrations per hour, drives the hours, minutes, central seconds and date functions, and ensures an approximately 40-hour power reserve.
The perfectly readable sunburst satin-brushed silver-toned dial is a blend of elegance and understatement, enlivened by the collection’s characteristic hands coated with a white luminescent substance for the hours and minutes. The date window at 3 o’clock and the 18-carat pink gold applied Arabic numerals represent distinctive new features of this ladies’ variation and an eloquent expression of horological classicism, while the bezel delicately set with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.36 cts) lends an additional touch of femininity.
Designed for daily wear or to accompany the most precious moments, this new newcomer to the Overseas collection reveals its dual nature and thereby responds to the clearly expressed wishes of an ever more demanding feminine clientele.

 

 

Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar    “Boutiques Exclusive” (right)
Movement : mechanical self-winding, Calibre 1136 QP, 40h power reserve Case : stainless steel Diameter : 42mm Functions : hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 12-hour and 30-minute counters, perpetual calendar, moon phases Caseback : solid with Overseas medallion Strap : black vulcanised rubber Water resistance : 150m Limited edition : 80 watches
Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding (left)
Movement : mechanical self-winding, 40h power reserve Case : 18K 5N pink gold Diameter : 36mm Functions : hours, minutes, central seconds, date Caseback : solid with Overseas medallion Bracelet/Strap : rose gold or Missisipiensis alligator leather Water resistance : 50m