Vacheron Constantin's Latest Knockouts Straight Out of SIHH 2018
Jan 23rd 2018 By Kiley Schiffman Storrs
The change of years marks memories, the passage of time, and the start of something new. With this intention, the 28th edition of SIHH (Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie) took place last week, setting the tone for trends and advancements in watchmaking across the globe. Exhibited at SIHH this year were two new pieces from heavyweight Vacheron Constantin. The Overseas Dual Time and the Traditionelle Complete Calendar are classic excellence in traditional Vacheron style. Let's take a deeper look at these two new pieces.
The new Overseas Dual Time is constructed to honor its predecessor while featuring a new twist. Vacheron's familiar profile gets an internal upgrade that is perfect for every day wear.
Available in 18k pink gold and stainless steel, the timepiece contains the same soft iron inner case ring that keeps the Overseas resistant to magnetism. This new piece maintains the Overseas' 41mm semi-tonneau case and signature bezel. The case is accented by your choice of a deep blue or silver dial which, again, looks similar to the Overseas which have come before.
Look "under the hood" and features start to change quickly. What sets this timepiece apart from its Overseas forbearers is an extremely practical and easy-to-operate dual time complication. In addition to the hour, minute, and seconds hands marking local time, the presence of a central hand tipped by a red arrow denotes the "home" time indicator.
Both time zones are set via the main crown, which has two positions, with the local time hour setting able to jump in one-hour increments. A secondary crown, located at four o'clock and below the main crown, adjusts the date display and is tied to the local time. A small window at nine o'clock uses a simple arrow to indicate day or night for the home time hand.
The Overseas Dual Time by Vacheron Constantin is powered by an in-house movement, the caliber 5110DT, which features a 60-hour power reserve. Vacheron has kept the proprietary strap system found on other Overseas models, making a change of straps or bracelets a simple, tool-less process. Changing the look of the Overseas from a steel, to gold bracelet takes only a few seconds.
Maintaining a classic design, Vacheron Constantin has raised the bar again with a dual time version of their historic Overseas timepiece.
Traditionelle Complete Calendar
Reflecting the traditions of Genevan haute horlogerie, the Traditionelle collection from Vacheron Constantin introduces a new full calendar wristwatch this year. The Traditionelle collection pays tribute to the craftsmanship and expertise passed down from generations of watchmaking specialists. Whether simple in form or packed with complications, the collection reflects the utmost attention to detail.
Constructed of 308 individual components, the Traditionelle Complete Calendar is housed in a 41mm polished platinum case. Water resistant to 30 meters, the case has traditional curved lugs and stands 10.77mm tall. A sapphire case back showcases the Caliber 2460QCL automatic movement, developed and manufactured in-house at Vacheron Constantin. The movement features a 40-hour power reserve and is similar to the Caliber 2460QH used by Vacheron in the Harmony Complete Calendar timepiece. The movement powers a day and month aperture window as well as the moon phase aperture.
The moon phase is accurate to one day in 122 years and is representative of the attention to detail expected in all Vacheron Constantin timepieces. The Caliber 2460 QCL movement operates at 28,800 vph in a form of only 29mm x 5.4mm, and powers an hours, minutes, and center seconds hand, as well as the hand-type date marker. The hand-type marker in blue stands out against the sand-blasted platinum dial with blued accents. The timepiece is finished with a blue strap with white stitching.
The Traditionelle Complete Calendar represents the best of Vacheron Constantin. Exceptional attention to detail and perfection in finishing mark the limited edition Traditionelle Complete Calendar, which will be produced in only 100 pieces.
Connect with Vacheron Constantin experts at our San Francisco location to learn more about these two showstoppers.