2013/08/27

Vacheron Constantin the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon - Collection Excellence Platine

Pure, rare and eternal… platinum is the favoured material in the field of Fine Watchmaking. In 2006, to honour this intrinsic alliance between pure mechanical refinement and an inestimably precious material, Vacheron Constantin instated the Collection Excellence Platine, issued in limited series and desgined for collectors of exceptional timepieces.

In creating the Collection Excellence Platine, Vacheron Constantin wished to highlight the distinctive qualities of platinum, which was discovered in the 18th century by the explorer and astronomer Antonio de Ulla. It is the noblest of all metals and one that the watchmakers of the Manufacture began using in 1820. A material that is 95% pure as against 75% for 18-carat gold, platinum is sourced from an extremely limited number of deposits, mainly consisting of magmatic rock complexes. Its density and its weight explain its resistance that is far higher than that of the other metals and place it at the very pinnacle of the materials used in watchmaking. It was indeed long regarded as the exclusive preserve of royalty and maharajas. The imperishable, high-performance properties of platinum make it synonymous with durability and ensure its enduring appeal among an elite circle of connoisseurs and collectors.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day tourbillon joins the ranks of the remarkable watches singled out to belong within the Collection Excellence Platine. This exceptional timepiece is the culmination of a technical approach that consists in sublimating the major complication represented by the tourbillon. Vacheron Constantin has long since demonstrated its boldness and its expertise in this demanding field.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine is equipped with Calibre 2260, a mechanical hand-wound tourbillon movement supplying an exceptional 14-day power reserve. In addition to the tourbillon coupled with small seconds at 6 o’clock along with slightly off-centred hours and minutes functions, it also features a power-reserve display. A “dragging” or “trailing” hand shows the remaining energy on a 280° sector. This surface area, which is larger than on classic indicators, enables a precise division of the 14 days, themselves divided into two 12-hour slices and thus enhancing the readability of the power reserve.
To guarantee the 14-day power reserve, Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2260 is equipped with four barrels stacked in pairs, interconnected and discharging simultaneously, yet four times slower than a single barrel.

The architecture of the 231-part Calibre 2260 features two large bridges. The movement finishing and notably the Côtes de Genève motif find magnificent scope for expression in these generous dimensions. The tourbillon carriage, inspired by the Maltese Cross, is a showcase for the exceptional finishing of the parts featuring a number of naturally hand-bevelled interior angles. The tourbillon bar along took over 11 hours of hand craftsmanship to round off.
In addition to the movement, the entire watch now bears the Hallmark of Geneva. Account is now taken of the exterior elements of a timepiece, notably including those connecting the calibre to the case.

The Collection Excellence Platine further affirms its unique nature in this exclusive model shedding new light on a subtle design in which rigorous beauty gives rise to serene and perfectly mastered beauty. The aesthetic codes of the models that have enriched the Collection Excellence Platine since 2006 are all there, including the uncluttered 950 platinum dial with a sandblasted finish discreetly bearing the inscription “PT950” between 4 and 5 o’clock. Secured by a 950 platinum folding clasp, the strap in dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather is graced with a saddle-stitched finish, hand-sewn with silk and 950 platinum thread lending an ultimate touch of perfection! This model is issued in a 50-piece individually numbered edition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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