The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph from the prestigious Collection Excellence Platine is a masterpiece that encapsulates the ethos of high watchmaking. Limited to just 50 pieces, this timepiece combines two of the most revered complications—tourbillon and monopusher chronograph—into a singular expression of artistry and technical ingenuity. Rooted in the Maison’s centuries-old tradition, this watch is a rare treasure for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Platinum Elegance
The Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph is housed in a 42.5mm case crafted entirely from 950 platinum, a material synonymous with nobility and rarity. The stepped case, a hallmark of the Traditionnelle collection, features a fluted caseback and an elegant polished finish. At just 11.7mm thick, the watch maintains a sleek profile despite its complex mechanics. The crown, also in platinum, discreetly houses the monopusher mechanism, a seamless integration of form and function. Completing the look is a sapphire crystal caseback, offering a mesmerizing view of the Calibre 3200 movement.
A Canvas of Artisanal Craft
The dial, rendered in sand-blasted platinum, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Vacheron Constantin. Subtle yet striking, the “Pt950” hallmark between 4 and 5 o’clock underscores the exclusivity of the Collection Excellence Platine.
Tourbillon at 12 o’clock: The Maltese cross-shaped carriage adds a signature touch to this highly visible complication. Chronograph Counter at 3 o’clock: A 45-minute counter ensures precise readability, a nod to the Maison‘s functional aesthetics. Power Reserve Indicator at 6 o’clock: A subtle yet essential detail that enhances the watch’s usability.
Dauphine-style hands and 18K white gold hour markers, complemented by a tachymeter scale on the flange, further elevate the dial’s elegance.
The Calibre 3200
At the heart of the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph is the manually wound Calibre 3200, developed to celebrate Vacheron Constantin’s 260th anniversary. This integrated movement, comprising 292 meticulously finished components, exemplifies technical sophistication.
Key highlights of the movement include: Tourbillon Regulator: Operating at 2.5Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour), it showcases a peripheral drive system that allows an open view of the mechanism; Monopusher Chronograph: The column-wheel mechanism, paired with a lateral clutch, ensures smooth and precise operation; Geneva Seal Certification: A guarantee of exceptional finishing, with hand-beveled edges, circular-grained plates, and Côtes de Genève motifs; Power Reserve: The movement offers a robust 65-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability for extended use.
The tourbillon carriage bridge, mirror-polished and hand-rounded, reflects over 11 hours of dedicated craftsmanship, a vivid illustration of the Maison’s commitment to excellence.
An Icon of Excellence
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph is a celebration of horological artistry and innovation. Its harmonious blend of platinum elegance, artisanal craft, and technical mastery make it a cornerstone of the Collection Excellence Platine. This timepiece is a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s enduring legacy and a beacon of its commitment to pushing the boundaries of haute horlogerie. For collectors seeking an exceptional addition to their repertoire, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph is an unequivocal masterpiece, a true icon of time.
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Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph – Collection Excellence Platine Technical Specifications
Reference: 5100T/000P-H041 – Limited edition of 50 individually numbered pieces. Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
Indications
- Hours, minutes
- Small seconds on tourbillon carriage
- Monopusher chronograph (45-minute counter at 3 o’clock)
- Power reserve at 6 o’clock
- Tachymeter scale
Movement
- Calibre 3200
- Developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
- Mechanical, manual-winding
- Approximately 65 hours of power reserve 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour)
- 292 components
- Hallmark of Geneva-certified timepiece
Case
- 950 platinum
- 42.5 mm diameter, 11.7 mm thick
- Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
- Water resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
- “Pt950” hallmark between 4 and 5 o’clock
- 18K white gold applied hour-markers, hours and minutes hands
Strap
- Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched with platinum 950 and silk, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp
- 950 platinum folding clasp
- Polished half Maltese cross-shaped