Tuesday, October 7, 2014

VACHERON CONSTANTIN – Traditionelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du DRAGON


VACHERON CONSTANTIN Traditionelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du DRAGON NEW

ARTISTIC CRAFTS AND GRANDE COMPLICATION HOROLOGY
A TRIBUTE TO SUPERLATIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP

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While the “Métiers d’Art” collection by Vacheron Constantin continues to roll out a distinguished line of watches worthy of the finest master works, the expertise cultivated by the Manufacture in the field of topflight crafts is revealed in delicate touches throughout its range of timepieces. In order to highlight one of the many skills that it perpetuates with consistent excellence, the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin presents the Traditionelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du dragon model featuring an entirely hand-engraved case. This fine watch is equipped with prestigious horological complications and adorned with a dragon scale motif executed by a master-artisan who was awarded the prestigious title “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in 2011.

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Vacheron Constantin pays tribute with impressive regularity and virtuosity to a range of artistic crafts through its “Métiers d’Art” collection. Engraving, gemsetting, enamelling and guilloché convey the full breadth and depth of the artisan-type skills perpetuated by the Geneva-based Manufacture for over 250 years. With subtle touches, these demanding arts are liberally sprinkled across the collections of the Maison, transfiguring exclusive models into unique works of art.

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For the very first time on a Grande Complication model in the Traditionnelle collection, the meticulous and refined art of engraving finds its place on the pink gold case.

THE ENGRAVING ART AT ITS APOGEE

Offering unique expressions of superlative craftsmanship, the case, bezel and lugs of the Traditionnelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du dragon have been entirely hand-engraved by one of the most experienced master engravers of his generation, who was indeed named “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in 2011. This lifelong title conferred in recognition of authentic excellence rewards the perfection of a masterpiece and requires months and even years of preparation.

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Stemming from close collaboration between the Vacheron Constantin designers and this talented artisan who joined the Manufacture in order to express his talent to the full, the dragon-scale symbolises imperial power and authority in Asia. In addition to the powerful aesthetic effect, the remarkable geometry of a dragon scale involves a number of challenges at each stage of the work. From defining a motif harmoniously applied to the variously sized surfaces of the case, through to the line (copperplate) engraving of almost inaccessible parts, this meticulous work calls for expert dexterity – because such a masterpiece can tolerate no mistakes.

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There are no trial runs: the engraving is performed entirely by hand on the already assembled case, without any transferred pattern or laser tracing to serve as a reference, and at the considerable depth of 4/10ths of a millimetre. The generous case thus provides an ideal medium of expression for this profound and impressive form of intaglio engraving. In addition, the specific 18-carat pink gold alloy used by Vacheron Constantin proved particularly challenging to engrave because of its hardness – a difficulty compounded by the constraints of a sophisticated motif obliging the master engraving to devise dedicated half moon-shaped tools in order to decorate the appropriate parts while avoiding the risk of damaging the surrounding areas.

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Entirely performed by hand using burins, a compass and custom-made tools, this intricate and delicate task calls for up to 70 hours of patient workmanship. Exclusive by its very nature, the case-back of the Traditionnelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du dragon bears the inscription “Pièce Unique”.

PRESTIGIOUS MECHANICS

To set the perfect stage for the ancestral artistic craft of engraving, Vacheron Constantin chose a highly complicated model in its Traditionnelle collection. This line of timeless watches, graced with round cases and refined elegance, is inspired by the aesthetic codes that have defined some of the finest historical creations from the Manufacture. While remaining firmly attached to its fundamental values, the collection nonetheless expresses itself in contemporary language, thereby serving as a reminder that tradition and modernity are natural companions at Vacheron Constantin.

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The entirely in-house developed and crafted Traditionnelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du dragon model is distinguished by a remarkable level of meticulously hand-crafted finishes. This timepiece bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva meets the many demanding criteria of this supremely independent label that is a guarantee of provenance, of high-quality precision, of durability and of watchmaking expertise.

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In addition to the tourbillon, the Traditionnelle Calibre 2253 L’empreinte du dragon also features various complications relating to the Earth’s path through space: a perpetual calendar, an equation of time as well as sunrise and sunset indications.

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The equation of time is a fascinating complication serving to measure the difference in minutes between true solar time and standard or legal time.

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This time lag or advance varies daily, while remaining within a range of -16 to +16 minutes. Sunrise and sunset times represent another rare horological complication, serving to provide a precise reading of these indications at any place on earth chosen by the client.This highly technical watchmaking masterwork calling for several thousand hours of development boasts a stunning 14-day power reserve. Calibre 2253 measures just 9.60 mm thick and comprises 457 parts.

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The inner technical complexity of this timepiece is equalled only by the refinement of its external attributes: a 44 mmdiameter case in 18-carat gold, a silvered opaline dial adorned with 18K pink gold applied hour-markers, and a pink gold folding clasp shaped like a half Maltese cross.
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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model: TRADITIONNELLE Calibre 2253 L’EMPREINTE DU DRAGON
 
Reference: 88172/001R-A104
 
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Movement
  • Caliber 2253
  • Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
  • Mechanical, manual-winding
  • 32 mm (13’’’) diameter
  • 9.6 mm thick
  • Approximately 336 hours of power reserve (14 days)
  • 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour)
  • 457 components
  • 30 jewels
Indications
  • Hours
  • Minutes
  • Small second at 6 o’clock on tourbillon carriage
  • Tourbillon
  • Perpetual calendar (day of the week, date, month and leap year)
  • Equation of time
  • Sunrise/sunset time
  • Power reserve indication (on the back of the watch)
Case
18K 5N pink gold
Hand-engraved lugs, case and bezel
44 mm diameter, 15.6 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial
Silvered opaline
18K 5N pink gold applied hour-markers
Strap
Dark brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp: 
18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Accessories
Delivered with a corrector pen and a magnifying glass
Unique timepiece
« Pièce unique » engraved on caseback
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 www.Vacheron-Constantin.com

F.P.Journe – SOUVERAINE Grande Sonnerie Souveraine Minute Repeater














F.P.Journe SOUVERAINE Grande Sonnerie Souveraine Minute Repeater

The Book Of The
Sonnerie Souveraine - Grande Sonnerie 

F.P. Journe’s extraordinary grande sonnerie and minute repeating watch guarantees both functionality and security - protected by no fewer than ten patents


F.P. Journe presents the book of the Grande Sonnerie watch. It revisits the centuries-long history of striking watches as well as that of the outstanding Sonnerie Souveraine, of which only 4 examples are produced by the manufacture each year.

This magnificent 90-page book, in three parts, is illustrated with many original photographs. It tells the history of the striking watch from the time of medieval bell-ringers to the conception and production of F.P. Journe’s Sonnerie Souveraine.

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The book “Sonnerie Souveraine - Grande Sonnerie
in luxury edition is available for sale in our F.P. Journe Boutiques


  • The historical section was written by historian and horological expert Jean-Claude Sabrier.
  • The second section, on the Sonnerie Souveraine, was written by historian, watchmaker and journalist Vincent Daveau.
  • The final section describes the watch’s 10 patents, the details of its functions, its exclusive security systems, and the art of sublimating mechanism in music.

The Grande Sonnerie and Répétition Minutes wristwatch is one of the most complex horological creations. For the first time in history, a grand strike clock watch offers true comfort and total security. 35 040 automatic chimes and 332 880 hammer strikes rings the time.
The Sonnerie Souveraine F.P.Journe sets a clear precedent, embodying its creator’s mechanical vision in its musical expression of time. It ensures that his name will go down in history as having enriched horology and given life to new ideas that enhance the science of time measurement.

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Each year, time is audibly measured out by 35 040 automatic chimes and 332 880 hammer strikes. A single mainspring ensures 27 hours of striking, while the going train features 30 additional hours. This watch is protected by ten patents attesting to the “Invenit*”, and required six years of research and development for the “Fecit” in the Manufacture’s motto.

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Each Sonnerie Souveraine is “baptised”; that is, instead of a number it bears the name of its owner. By giving his name to the watch, the owner also gives it a raison d’être, an identity and a unique personality for all time.

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The Sonnerie Souveraine sets a clear precedent, embodying its creator’s mechanical vision in its musical expression of time. It ensures that his name will go down in history as having enriched horology and given life to new ideas that enhance the science of time measurement.

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This watch received the Aiguille d’or at the Geneva Grand Prix d’Horlogerie in 2006; in 2007 it was designated Watch of the Year in Japan.

* Invenit et Fecit (Latin formula): I invented it and I made it.
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MONTRES JOURNE SA
Brigitte Bocquet-Makhzani - Communication
International PR & Events Manager
17, rue de l’Arquebuse – 1204 Geneva – Switzerland
Tel : +41 (0)22 322 09 09 / Fax : +41 (0)22 322 09 19
e-mail :bmakhzani@fpjourne.com
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www.F.P.Journe.com