Vacheron Constantin Debuts the New Traditionnelle Tourbillon at Watches and Wonders 2023

Vacheron Constantin reveals yet another Watches and Wonders novelty: the new Traditionnelle Tourbillon. Housed in a 41mm platinum case and sporting a stunning sunburst green dial, the timepiece is the perfect embodiment of the Maison’s dedication to conveying both history and tradition while maintaining a timeless aesthetic no matter how complicated the mechanisms get. The new dial colour also highlights the brand’s openness to adding a contemporary edge to a classical design approach.

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The striking green colour has been achieved by galvanic treatment that lends a distinct depth and intensity to the model. It works as the ideal colour complement to the gleam of the white. This contrast is further emphasised by the white gold baton-type hour markers and Dauphine-style hands. The deep green strap takes after the green of the dial.

The elegance of the new Traditionnelle Tourbillon is also defined by the slenderness of the case, itself enabled by ultra-thin self-winding in-house Calibre 2160/1 that comes up to a thickness of just 5.65mm. The water resistance comes up to 30 metres. The thinness of the case is a reminder of Vacheron Constantin’s technical mastery, especially because this caliber incorporates a tourbillon regulator mechanism designed to compensate for the effects of gravity on the isochronism of the balance spring. The regulator has been set to a frequency of 2.5 Hz, and this relatively slow tempo — often found in historical pocket watches — offers an opportunity to appreciate the tourbillon’s mechanical ballet.

The show can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback. The 22 ct gold peripheral rotor also aids in reducing the thickness of the calibre and ensures a comfortable 80-hour power reserve. The finishing of the movement showcases the brand’s same pursuit for perfection, with a circular-grained baseplate appearing on the dial side and hand-bevelled bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève on the caseback. Attention to detail is a Vacheron Constantin hallmark and it’s evidenced by the handcrafting on the tourbillon.

Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage, aptly summarised the essence of the timepiece. He said, “The Traditionnelle collection embodies the full measure of Vacheron Constantin's watchmaking legitimacy. It conveys both history and tradition through precise stylistic codes corresponding to an aesthetic that remains timeless.”

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