The Traditionnelle tourbillon watch from Vacheron Constantin illustrates the dance of Phoenix and Dragon around the pearl, a distinctive cultural symbol of China.
At the heart of a finely engraved 18K 5N pink gold case, the legendary creatures take shape in the form of sculpted appliques on a hand-guilloché dial. The tourbillon is that of the ultra-thin Calibre 2160, an in-house movement equipped with a peripheral rotor.
The galvanic dial treatment in black, deep blue and silver tones distinguishes the three versions of the model, each issued in a 16-piece limited edition. The 41 mm-diameter case in 18K 5N pink gold is engraved with cloud-like volutes on the bezel and lugs, which form a bas-relief motif on the case middle.
The bar of the tourbillon carriage is entirely hand-bevelled, as are the movement components. The mainplate is circular-grained on the dial side, while the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève on the back. Paired with a black, deep blue or brown alligator leather strap, depending on the model, secured a folding clasp and available in a limited boutique edition of 16 timepieces for each dial colour, this watch embodies a perfect symbiosis of artistic crafts and fine watchmaking.
On the bezel and lugs, the sky is symbolised by a succession of volutes, carved in bas-relief. This technique consists of removing material to highlight the contours of the sculpture. After drawing the motifs with a tracing point, the engraver works the decoration with a scorper, like a chasing operation that is ever-more refined as the tool becomes sharper. Volumes take shape, thanks to a delicate alternation of matt and glossy finishes.
Technical Specifications:
Traditionnelle tourbillon
References
6040T/000R-B959
6040T/000R-B960
6040T/000R-B961
Calibre
2160/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding, peripheral rotor
31 mm (13½’’’) diameter, 5.65 mm thick
Approximately 80 hours of power reserve
2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour)
188 components
30 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications
Hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage (coloured screw)
Tourbillon
Case
18K 5N pink gold
41 mm diameter, 11.21 mm thick
Hand-engraved bezel and lug sides
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial
18K gold hand-guilloché, silver-toned / deep blue / black galvanic treatment
Hand-engraved 18K pink gold applied phoenix and dragon
Strap
Brown/deep blue/black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp
18K 5N pink gold folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Price
On request
Limited Editions of 16 individually numbered timepieces.
Only available in Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.
For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin