The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph limited edition of 50 pieces has joined the Collection Excellence Platine.
Combining two noble complications with the latest technological advances, this model pays tribute to the grand watchmaking traditions with an aesthetic that is as functional as it is original in terms of its display. Attired in platinum 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 260th anniversary, this movement incorporates a monopusher chronograph with a tourbillon regulator.
Vacheron Constantin has assembled some of its most exclusive models within the Collection Excellence Platine. Issued in limited editions, they are crafted in this noble and precious metal notably distinguished by its ability to maintain an enduring sheen. It retains the distinctive features of the Traditionnelle collection – Dauphine-type hands, railway-type minutes track and stepped case with fluted caseback – while differing in that all the main elements of the watch, apart from the movement and strap, are in 950 platinum. The case, crown, finely grained dial and clasp are all made of 950 platinum, while the stitching on the dark blue alligator strap is crafted from braided silk and platinum thread.
On the dial side, the tourbillon with its Maltese cross-shaped carriage is positioned at 12 o’clock, contrasting with the usual lower-dial position for this type of regulator. Another original attribute is the 45-minute chronograph counter appearing at 3 o’clock, while the 65-hour power reserve is displayed at 6 o’clock. Enhanced by a keen sense of proportions, this aesthetic reflects the work of the Maison’s designers, while at the same time optimising functionality and time reading.
The caseback reveals the beauty of Calibre 3200 developed for the Maison’s 260th anniversary in 2015. At just 6.7 mm thick, this 292-part in-house manual-winding movement is remarkably slim for such a complex timepiece. It follows in the noble footsteps of the chronographs that forged Vacheron Constantin’s reputation in the 1930s and 1940s. Its tourbillon regulator and monopusher chronograph function incorporated into the movement – as opposed to a modular construction – stem from extensive research aimed at optimising its functionality.
The chronograph – a function embodying considerable mechanical complexity in its integrated version – has also benefited from new developments. On this model equipped with a column wheel to control the functions, Vacheron Constantin has developed a friction-drive lateral clutch system. Thanks to this system that avoids any stuttering, the seconds hand engages smoothly when the chronograph is started. The chronograph is also equipped with a dynamic “all-or-nothing” activation system that prevents the seconds hand from starting when too little pressure is applied to the pusher.
These sophisticated technical aspects set the crowning touch to a model whose 50-piece Collection Excellence Platine limited edition makes it a rare and precious timepiece. Like the case, Calibre 3200 has been the object of meticulous finishing where every detail counts. The plate is circular-grained and all the components are polished and chamfered, including the screws, with straight-grained flanks.
The movement is housed in a 42.5 mm case measuring just 11.7 mm thick and paired with a dark blue alligator leather strap. The chronograph functions are displayed by a blued steel seconds hand and a minutes hand in 18K gold – like the power-reserve pointer. The hours and minutes hands are in 18K white gold, sweeping over a minutes track punctuated by applied hour-markers in the same metal.
Technical Specifications:
Reference
5100T/000P-H041
Calibre
3200
Developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, manual-winding
32.8 mm (14¼’’’) diameter, 6.7 mm thick
Approximately 65 hours of power reserve
2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour)
292 components
39 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva-certified timepiece
Indications
Hours, minutes
Small seconds on tourbillon carriage
Tourbillon at 12 o’clock
Monopusher chronograph (45-minute counter at 3 o’clock)
Power reserve at 6 o’clock
Tachymeter scale
Case
950 platinum
42.5 mm diameter, 11.7 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial
950 platinum, sand-blasted
“Pt950” hallmark between 4 and 5 o’clock
18K white gold applied hour-markers, hours and minutes hands
Blued screw for the seconds indication on the tourbillon carriage
Strap
Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand stitched with platinum 950 and silk, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp
950 platinum folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Limited edition of 50 individually numbered pieces
Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin