PROFESSIONAL WATCHES™ | Live Baselworld 2010 Coverage Begins March 17th: Vacheron Constantin Archives

SIHH 2010: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle

Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest and most famous high-end watchmakers in the world, released five new models within their Patrimony Traditionnelle collection at SIHH 2010 last week. Case sizes range from 38 mm all the way up to 44 mm. All Patrimony timepieces are available in either 950 platinum or 18-carat white gold, no red or pink gold (which was immensely popular with many brands last year). As far as complications, they range from a chronograph all the way up to a minute repeater.

SIHH 2010: Vacheron Constantin Ultra-Thin Heritage

Vacheron Constantin has reissued its "Historiques" collection with two new timepieces, the Historique Ultra-fine 1955 (round case) and the Historique Ultra-fine 1968 (square case). Both are ultra-thin watches, which is not considered a horological complication. However, according to Vacheron Constantin, ultra-thin mechanical watches require the highest level of expertise, in not only their production, but also when adjustments are needed. The Calibre 1003 movement, which powers the Historique Ultra-fine 1955, is a mere 1.64mm thick, and is the thinnest mechanical movement in the world. Housed inside a round 36mm 18-carat pink gold case, the 1955 is also the world's thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch.

New Vacheron Constantin Boutique & 3 Dragons Ltd Watches

Vacheron Constantin recently inagurated its newest flagship boutique, at 1881 Heritage, the revitalized site of one of Hong Kong's famous government buildings. This is Vacheron Constantin's third boutique in Hong Kong. The new boutique is discreetly decorated with a contemporary luxurious interior. This particular boutique even has a resident Swiss watchmaker, previously only available in Geneva, for after-sales service.

Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase Power Reserve

Vacheron Constantin just announced a new timepiece, the Malte Moon Phase and Power Reserve. It features a barrel shaped case that is 39 mm x 49 mm, and is available in either white or pink 18K gold. Inside is a manually wound 22 jewel in-house mechanical movement, Caliber 1410.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN "Attention to Detail"

Vacheron Constantin pays such close "attention to detail" on every timepiece. Their finishing is at such a high level, on the Malte Regulator Tourbillon for example, that they spend eleven hours hand-finishing each tourbillon bar.

Some of the exceptional finishing operations on the 1790R movement can only be done by hand, particularly in the case of the bar. This work is known as berçage or rounding-off. Always a technical challenge, it consists in filing the tips of the arms with perfect regularity in order to give them a conical and semi-cylindrical shape, while carefully marking off the centre and heels. To complete the operation and obtain a perfectly polished rounding-off, the craftsmen polish it with stones, buffs, wooden pegs and finishing pastes. No fewer than eleven hours are needed to meet the stringent finishing criteria required by Vacheron Constantin. The Côtes de Genève decoration, the meticulous hand-chamfering of the edges of the bridges and the engraving of its individual manufacturing number confirm the 1790R's exceptional character. Besides its tourbillon, this manual-winding movement features a 40-hour power reserve indicator.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN Quai de l'Ile

[ Vacheron Constantin ]

The Vacheron Constantin Quai de l'Ile watch collection will revive this prestigious brand's tradition of offering clients truly custom made watches. Featuring a unique multi-piece case, and a remarkable transparent dial which features a number of advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies, these Vacheron Constantin watches will present more than 400 possible custom variations. Case materials combinations, dial finishes, and even movement finishing may all be tailored to suit a specific requirement.

Overseas Special Edition US by VACHERON CONSTANTIN

[ via Vacheron Constanin ]

Vacheron Constantin recently released the Overseas Special Edition US watch. It has a black oxidized dial with red accents. The watch is limited to 100 editions and is for the US market only. It comes with two straps: a black alligator strap and a black rubber strap, which marks the first time VC has used a rubber strap. Rubber straps have become very popular in recent years due to their sportiness and comfort.

MSRP $18,900

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