Introducing the tonneau-shaped Malte collection from, Vacheron Constantin.

At SIHH 2012, four models were presented within the Malte collection, three of which meet the new Geneva Seal certification, which not only has a high level of aesthetic requirements, it now also requires the movement to be tested for accuracy. Furthermore, the movement must be tested fully cased up, which is an even more stringent than the industry standard COSC-chronometer test (which requires only that the movement be tested).

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Vacheron Constantin recently announced a larger Excellence Platine Patrimony Contemporary model. Previously available in a 40 mm diameter case, it is now available in a 42 mm diameter. The 7.3 mm ultra-thin case is fully polished, in solid 950 platinum. To achieve a thickness of only 7.3, the movement is a mere 2.45 mm thick.

Powering the Excellence Platine is in-house caliber VC 1120, with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva stamp (a certification available to watchmakers in the Canton of Geneva that requires a high level of hand finishing). The beautifully finished self-winding caliber features circular graining, Côtes de Genève, and a skeletonized oscillating weight -- all visible through a transparent caseback.

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Vacheron Constantin has created a one-of-a-kind master piece to be auctioned at Only Watch 2011, aptly named the "Dove" watch. All proceeds go to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophies.

The "Dove," combines several of the manufacture's artistic crafts that vividly express the theme of perspective in order to accentuate the sense of depth, each according to its own technique.

An engraver, enameller, gemsetter and guillocher have worked together to create this unique watch. "Inspired by the technique of repetitive tiling designs known as tessellation, this "Métiers d'Art - Perspectives d'Art" watch invites observers to explore a reality that plays with human perception."

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(Click image for gallery - 7 photos - Photos by Peter Chong)

The Vacheron Constantin Metiers d'Art - Chagall & L'Opera de Paris is the first of fourteen hand painted enamel watches that are based on Marc Chagall's 1964 painting on the ceiling of the Paris opera. There are fourteen different composers on the original painting, and independent enamelist Anita Porcet will paint each of the composers on each of the fourteen dials. Each piece will be unique.

Enamel painting on watch dials is a rare art, very few people in the world are capable of painting on such a small scale. Unlike a traditional painter who works on a fairly large surface, enamel dial artists are limited to a very small area (in this case 40 mm in diameter). The area is so small in fact, that enamel artists have to use microscopes to view their work as they paint.

The creation of the hour markers on this timepiece is equally impressive. Each hour marker is hand engraved by an in-house Vacheron Constantin engraver to match the actual gargoyles in the Opera ceiling. These engravings feature the faces of nymphs. Each nymph face has a different expression, and this is well reflected in the hand engraving.

Powering each timepiece is a Calibre 2460 self-winding movement entirely developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Each movement is immaculately hand finished, including guilloche, perlage and Geneva stripes.

Like a painting or a sculpture, each of these unique pieces, are true works of art.

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(Click image for gallery - 5 photos)

One of Vacheron Constantin's most popular novelties at SIHH 2011, was the Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time. Their new world time watch features a specially designed complication that allows it to simultaneously display 37 different time zones (as opposed to 24). It also has an innovative day/night indicator that uses a map with a special translucent rotating disk overtop, with shading on half of the disk, therefore indicating in which part of the world it's day and night, at a glance.

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At SIHH 2011, Genevan watch brand, Vacheron Constantin, who has been existence since 1755, unveiled a new timepiece within their Historiques collection. The collection consists of watches that are inspired by original timepieces from Vacheron Constantin's past. In this case, Vacheron Constantin chose to resurrect a beautiful rectangle timepiece from their archive, the Aronde.

The new Historiques Aronde 1954 features a double rounded design on the case flanks, along with a distinctly curved sapphire crystal (the curved case and sapphire crystal are extremely complicated to manufacturer). The 31.20 mm x 44.5 mm case is made of 18K pink gold. It features fully polished sides and the top is brushed. The silver-toned opaline dial with hand guilloché pattern is exquisite.

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(Click image for gallery - 3 photos)

The Vacheron Constantin Historique Ultra-fine 1955 timepiece currently holds the title of the "world's thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch," at just 4.10 mm thick. It is powered by a the Calibre 1033, which is merely 1.64 mm thick. For 2010, Vacheron Constantin remade this model in 18k rose gold, to celebrate its 55th anniversary. The gold case is 36 mm in diameter and comes with a square-scaled alligator leather strap with an 18k rose gold buckle and polished half Maltese cross. Water-resistance is 30 meters.

Vacheron Constantin Press Release

"For Vacheron Constantin, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the birth of the ultra-thin Caliber 1003 provides an opportunity to revisit its heritage, as well as to highlight its ultra-thin expertise in a period when this term tends to be somewhat overused.

The result radiates an aura of uncluttered, pared-down restraint and purity. Its fascinating aesthetic features - the slender bezel; the distinctive lugs, each shaped like an arm of Vacheron Constantin's Maltese Cross emblem; its solid gold opaline silver-coloured dial adorned with baton hands marking the hours and minutes - combine to endow this watch with a rare breed of elegance stemming from the compelling strength of sheer simplicity."

Retail TBD

Source: Vacheron Constantin

May 17, 2010 (Cannes, France) Vacheron Constantin, the oldest Swiss watchmaker in continuous activity, partnered with Twentieth Century Fox to sponsor the exclusive after-party for the premiere of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps at the 62nd annual Cannes Film Festival. Joining the luxury brand were the film's stars, Michael Douglas, Josh Brolin, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan and Frank Langella as well as the famed director Oliver Stone. Vacheron Constantin is also featured in the film, as Josh Brolin's character, Bretton James, wears the exceptional "American 1921" timepiece from the brand's historical collection, Les Historiques.

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