Huge anniversaries demand huge releases. In any case, what’s the level of peerless longevity if to not flaunt all that accrued mastery? Vacheron Constantin has simply turned a spry 270 years–the oldest manufacture to function repeatedly since its founding–and it actually has the horological chops to show it. Working example: the bombastically named Les Cabinotiers Solaria Extremely Grand Complication, boasting a jaw-dropping 41 issues (see the overall Watches and Wonders Geneva tales this challenge for extra).
However showmanship alone shouldn’t be what retains the home Jean-Marc and Francois constructed like this ticking by way of centuries. Subtlety and refinement are equally vital hallmarks of excellence, which is why a part of the anniversary celebration features a collection of easy however elegant restricted editions from the Traditionnelle and Patrimony collections.
All eight commemorative references (4 from every line) are distinguished by dials engraved with a recent geometric motif impressed by the Maltese cross. The logo has been related to Vacheron Constantin since 1880, referencing a historic motion part designed to manage the facility delivered by the barrel. Through the years, the motif has made appearances in pin buckles, bracelet hyperlinks, winding rotors, tourbillon cages, and even diamond prongs. Now it finds new life as a dial ornament that performs with mild and depth.
The beating hearts of the watches have additionally taken on festive festooning. The actions all have a “cote distinctive” end on their bridges — a deceptively easy sample that requires exact machine-guided preparation and hand-executed ending. First seen greater than a century in the past and revived in 2021 for the Historiques American 1921, this long-lost ornament took in the present day’s artisans some 500 hours to (re)study. The result’s a seamless sample of flowing traces throughout the bridges, complemented by a Maltese cross engraving to mark the milestone.
The choice to spotlight the Traditionelle is knowledgeable by the gathering’s excessive technical requirements and distinctive aesthetics. The Traditionelle watch’s stepped lugs, fluted case again, slim bezel, railway minute observe and faceted dauphine palms all communicate to classicism with spine. This anniversary version consists of two Traditionnelle Guide-Winding fashions in 38mm platinum or 5N pink gold (restricted to 370 items every), each paired with gray alligator straps. There may be additionally a 36mm Moon Section in a gem-set pink gold case, and a demure 33mm Guide-Winding model, additionally gem-set and in pink gold. Each of the latter are restricted to 270 items and have pink alligator straps.
If the Traditionnelle honours Vacheron Constantin’s previous, the Patrimony assortment appears to be like a little bit methods ahead, with minimalist, ultra-thin fashions impressed by its spherical costume watches from the Nineteen Seventies. The clear bezel, gently domed dial, baton palms and pearl minute observe exude modern restraint. For the anniversary, the model has chosen the Patrimony Moon Section Retrograde Date and the Patrimony Self-Winding — each out there in white or pink gold. The Moon Section (restricted to 270 items) incorporates a retrograde date show, a Vacheron Constantin specialty because the 18th century. The Self-Winding is a 370-piece version that includes time, date, and hacking seconds. Every is paired with a darkish inexperienced alligator strap.
Seems, you do not want to shout to remain in enterprise for 270 years. You simply must be good at making the quiet look easy.
This story was first seen as a part of the WOW #79 Summer season 2025 Difficulty
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