Vacheron Constantin, the luxury Swiss watchmaker with almost 270 years of expertise and continuous history, unveils new timepieces at Watches & Wonders 2024.
Presenting an exhibition entitled From Geometry to Artistry, the house illustrates the subtle alchemy that transforms mechanical watchmaking into objets d’art.
Égérie, The Pleats Of Time, A Concept Watch
The manufacture collaborated with haute couture designer, Yiqing Yin, to create the Égérie, The Pleats of time, a concept watch, a piece which orchestrates a dialogue between three worlds: Haute Horlogerie, Haute Couture and Haute Parfumerie. The roundness of the 37mm pink gold case embellished with diamonds, the ‘pleats’ pattern adorning the powdered lilac dial, as well as the asymmetrical geometry so cherished by the maison, whose name appears at eight o’clock in a diagonal with the moon phase and crown at two o’clock, all combine to create a refined and original, feminine silhouette into which Yiqing Yin has instilled an aesthetic appeal that awakens the senses. The maison and the designer also called on French master perfumer Dominique Ropion to craft an original fragrance that is encapsulated in the watch 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 series developed with designer Yiqing Yin. Paired with a choice of three interchangeable straps, this edition with its 37mm pink gold case and gem set bezel adopts subtle lilac hues while retaining the collection’s aesthetic codes: the mother-of-pearl dial is alternately smooth or decorated with a ‘pleats’ motif, while the moon phase appears as part of a subtle diagonal line 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 final polishing operation, the new creation embodies a wealth of superlatives. The subtlety of the adjustments is matched by their virtuoso execution. The 57 facets of the emerald-cut diamonds 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 the master gem-setter who has adorned it with modernised prongs. Reduced to a minimum to provide space for the hands, they are triangular on the bracelet and case middle to highlight the stones; or pyramid-shaped to form the maison’s iconic Maltese cross sparkling in the light. The sautoir necklace featuring onyx and diamonds, as well as Akoya pearl tassels chosen for their lustre and roundness, creates an appealing dialogue between Art Deco and the 21st century.
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, this watch was born from the will of the same commissioner who has given it his name.
OVERSEAS GREEN DIALS
Intense green has been added to the dials and interchangeable straps of four new 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 gem set, 41mm date, 42.5mm chronograph and 41mm dual time models. Water-resistant to 150 metres, each of these new timepieces is equipped with a top-quality self-winding calibre featuring meticulous finishing. The movements feature an oscillating weight engraved with the collection’s emblematic compass rose. On these four models, just as on all Overseas watches, the pink gold bracelet with folding clasp is easily adjustable. It can be replaced by a calfskin leather strap or one of green rubber, each with an interchangeable pin buckle.
Overseas Tourbillon: An All-Titanium Technical Watch
A self-winding tourbillon model powered by the manufacture’s ultra-thin Calibre 2160. Three interchangeable bracelet/straps come with the watch: titanium, calfskin leather and rubber. Entirely made of titanium, from case to bracelet and from crown to bezel, this model which is graced with the collection’s emblematic blue dial, is powered by the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 2160.
Equipped with a tourbillon regulator visible at six o’clock through a dial opening, the movement features an 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight winding the calibre and ensuring a comfortable three-plus day power reserve.
With meticulous finishing of both the titanium case and the movement, this Overseas tourbillon is perfectly aligned with the spirit of 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.
Patrimony Manual-Winding – Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date
At first glance, nothing has changed: the design is understated, undeniably elegant, timeless yet incredibly contemporary. Nonetheless, the Patrimony manual-winding timepiece as it has existed since 2004 has definitely evolved – starting with the size of the two new manual-winding models that are ideal for any wrist. Already appreciated for its 40mm size, the case sculpted in pink or white gold now features a classic 39mm diameter. This aesthetic is echoed on the collection’s signature convex dial, whose sunburst-finished surface is attired in a new old-silver-toned colour. This shade providing a hint of retro styling contrasts with the pink gold of the Patrimony collection’s characteristic slim hands, hour-markers and circular ‘pearl’ minutes track, composed by 48 polished 18-carat gold pearls. In addition, the alligator leather straps are available in original new azure blue or olive-green colours, adding a fresh touch to the naturally understated nature of the Patrimony. As a final aesthetic detail, the closed caseback enables the owner of the watch to personalise it with a text or design of their choice, delicately engraved in gold.
Raditionnelle 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 in platinum throughout its 42.5mm-diameter case, crown, dial, clasp and strap stitching, this watch is powered by Calibre 3200. Developed to mark the brand’s 260th anniversary, this movement incorporates a monopusher chronograph with a tourbillon regulator. These two complications have been technically optimised for reliability, precision and user friendliness. The perfectly legible dial features a large tourbillon aperture at12o’clock, while the 45-minute chronograph counter is positioned at three o’clock and the power-reserve indicator at six o’clock. The movement’s mechanical characteristics can be admired through the sapphire caseback, including its column-wheel adorned with a Maltese cross, its lateral friction clutch, its two hammers for zero-resetting the chronograph hands, as well as the peripheral tourbillon drive. The meticulous finishing endows this Traditionnelle tourbillon chronograph with a special radiance stemming from a blend of mechanical complexity and aesthetic elegance.
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