Friday, May 29, 2020

F.P.Journe – CLASSIQUE Astronomic SOUVERAINE


F.P.JourneCLASSIQUE Astronomic SOUVERAINE Minute Repeater Steel 44 mm - 2020

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO























F.P.Journe presents the Astronomic Souveraine, 
a steel watch with 18 functions and complications, 
entirely devoted to the contemplation of the stars.

After the success of ▶️ Only Watch 2019, F.P.Journe presents the current collection version of the prototype that was offered at auction: the Astronomic Souveraine. It is a grand complication watch in steel, with tourbillon and minute repeater, whose vocation is to recall a long-forgotten gesture.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


















That of losing oneself in the stars in order to better find one’s way on Earth. There was a time when that poetic idea was not a paradox, but a self-evident truth. And like the instruments that were once used for the observation of the stars, the Astronomic Souveraine is above all a tool. But rather than opening a window onto the celestial vault, it celebrates Time in all its glory.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO   

The inspiration for the project was an adolescent’s drawing, found crumpled up behind the wastepaper bin. That sketch was done fifteen years ago by François-Paul Journe’s son, Charles. Having drawn the sketch almost without thinking, on second thought the young man decided it was not appropriate. After all, he wasn’t the watchmaker in the family! And yet... On the dial, there was a curved aperture for the path of the sun.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

It was a good idea. But what could be done with it? A self-winding watch? Why not? As long as there were not too many additional complications. François-Paul Journe began his research. His quest for the ideal watch took six years. And finally, it was back to the drawing board. The watch would have a manual-wind calibre that would allow more functions. It would be necessary, however, to ensure the delivery of enough energy to power all of them.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

One of F.P.Journe’s earlier creations served as his inspiration: a pocket watch with planetarium made in 1987 for a collector of scientific objects. That unique tourbillon watch indicated mean time and sidereal time, as well as the equation of time, a full calendar, and the power reserve. However, there could be no question of looking backward. The future astronomic watch had to be resolutely contemporary and possess a distinctive personality. Its power would come from a double barrel. And the tourbillon with remontoir d’égalité would guarantee its perfect isochronism.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Nevertheless, the 18 carat rose Gold movement of the Astronomic Souveraine is totally novel. And it is, of course, very finely decorated. For example, the white Gold dial, whose sub-dials are embellished with clou de Paris decoration, and the moon phases, with a hyper-realistic moon that was traced from a NASA photograph. At 3h, there is the mean time (or civil time) dial, with a blue hand indicating a second time zone.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

At 9h, there is the sidereal time dial, which allows the observation of the stars. Next to it, the mean time seconds are shown on a disc. Between the two are the central minutes and the power reserve indication, which remains optimal up to 40 h.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Above all this is a blue aperture showing the sunrise and sunset. Here, metal shutters lengthen or shorten the days. On the reverse there is the equation of time and a full annual calendar encircled by the signs of the zodiac. It is on this side that the dance of the tourbillon may be admired.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


In all, this watch, which also strikes the hours, the quarters and the minutes, possesses 18 functions and complications. It is made up of 758 components, in addition to the case. However, the case is no larger than 44 mm in diameter and 13.80 mm thick. But watch lovers will have to be patient, as only four or five pieces will be made each year.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

That is slightly thicker than the Tourbillon Vertical but with an added 2mm on the diameter. This combination mages it a very big watch and beyond what I am personally comfortable with. We can see from the movement name cal 1619 that the movement is 16 linge where as the Tourbillon Vertical was 15 Linge.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

===============
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Collection: CLASSIQUE 

Model:  Astronomic SOUVERAINE

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Reference: ref. AST


Movement
Exclusive manual winding prototype F.P. Journe
Calibre 1619 in 18K rose gold.
Dimensions of the Movement Overall diameter: 37.00mm
Cased-up diameter: 36.40mm
Height movement: 10.75mm
Height of winding stem: 4.59mm
Diameter of stem thread: S1.20mm
Power Reserve: 40 hours

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Escapement_ 
15 teeth escape wheel
90° Anchor fork
Finishing_
High quality
Circular waves on bridges
Circular grained baseplate
Polished screw heads with chamfered slots
Pegs with polished rounded ends
Balance 
Balance with 4 inertia weights
Breguet Anachron spring
Pinned stud
Free sprung
Nivatronic laser-welded to collet
Pinned Geneva stud
Frequency: 21,600 V/H, (3Hz)
Inertia: 11.00 mg*cm2
Angle of lift: 52°
Amplitude: 0h dial up: > 260°
24h vertical: > 260°
Main Characteristics_ 
  • Tourbillon with remontoir d’égalité
    Minute repeater
    Sidereal hours and minutes
    2 nd time zone
    Moon phases
    Annual calendar
    Equation of time
    Sunrise and sunset
    Natural dead-beat second
    All settings via the crown
Additional Details: One minute tourbillon with remontoire d'egalité.
Double barrel, minute repeater, performing a complete rotation in 60 seconds, dead-beat second.
Function
  • Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
  • Annual Calendar
  • Day & Night Indicator
  • Moon Phase
  • Power Reserve
  • Equation of Time
  • Time of Sunrise
  • Time of Sunset
  • Minute-Repeater
  • Second Time Zone
  • Tourbillon
Case
Round Case in Steel
Brushed & Polished
Diameter: 44 mm
Total height: 13.80 mm
Sapphire crystal on both sides.
Dial
Unique White Gold
Chrome dial colors
Front indications:
  • Hours and 2 nd time zone at 3
  • Minutes in the centre
  • Sunrise and sunset at 12
  • Sidereal hours and minutes at 9
  • Power reserve at 6
  • Moon phases at 5
  • Second on disc at 7
Back indications:
  • Equation of time in the center
    Annual calendar at 10
Number of components (without casing): 758
Cased on leather strap 817
Jewels 68

All settings and corrections adjusted by the crown.
Strap
Alligator straps
Pin Buckle

--------------------------------------------- 
Press release - 2020
----------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - FPjourneOfficial
---------------------------------------------------------------------
www.F.P.Journe.com

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Franck Muller – VANGUARD™ Racing Skeleton 2020

Franck MullerVANGUARDV45 Rising Skeleton Carbon - 2020


The VanguardRacing Skeleton collection from Franck Muller takes inspiration from the world of automotive competition. It houses a stylish engine-turned skeletonized movement.

Inspired by the motorsport engines, the automatic movement and the frame structure of the Vanguard Racing Skeleton have been significantly lightened. To realize this dynamic timepiece, technical materials such as carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum have been chosen.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The Vanguard Racing Skeleton features hours, minutes, seconds and date. The central seconds counter, thanks to a smoked sapphire glass, provides an accurate display while allowing great visibility of the movement. The seconds indications start from the bottom instead of the top as in an automobile rev counter, allowing the owner to read the seconds from both ends of the hand.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The white hand with red tip and the bicolor second indications further reinforce the idea of a rev counter, making you want to push the hand into the red zone. To further accentuate the skeleton design, the date numbers have also been fully skeletonized.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The strap is subtly integrated into the case with the help of two unseen screws, instead of the regular spring-bar technique. The rubber inside the strap effortlessly takes the shape of the wrist, combining comfort and aesthetics, while the Alcantara® suede reminds the covering of a sports car cockpit.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The Vanguard™ Racing Skeleton is available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel, titanium and carbon.

Inspired by automotive competition, the Vanguard™ Racing Skeleton collection calls in for pure and stylish engine-turned aesthetics.

----------------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection  VANGUARD 

Model: VANGUARDV45 Skeleton Rising

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Reference V 45 SC DT RACING SQT (ER)

Movement
Self-winding mechanical movement
Dimensions: 25.60 mm x Height 3.60 mm
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Frequency: 28’800 vibrations/ hour
Number of Components: 158
Number of Jewels: 21

Movement decoration:
Côtes de Genève and sunray brushing on the bridges
Skeletonized oscillating weight
Côtes de Genève on the bottom plate
Diamond polishing on the bridges
24k gold bath, rhodium treatment and black PVD treatment
45 ° polishing and sunray brushing on the ratchet
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds and date at 6 o’clock
Case
Vanguard case
Carbon
Red ergal inserts on both sides of the case
Width: 44.00 mm X 53.70 mm X 12.80 mm
Sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 3 ATM
Dial
Skeleton dial with applied indexes and Arabic numerals meticulously painted and applied by hand 
Strap
Hand-sewn Alcantara® suede
Brushed folding buckle
Titanium with black PVD treatment

************
Available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel, titanium

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

























Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

























------------------------------------
Press release 2020
-------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Franck Muller Flagship store : 
Rue de la Tour-de-l'Ile 1
1204 Genève - Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 818 00 30
Whatsapp : +41 78 836 33 17​
E-mail: delisle@franckmuller.ch
-------------------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - Franck-Muller
---------------------------------------------------------------------
www.FranckMuller.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Jaeger-LeCoultre – MASTER Grande Tradition Tourbillon Edition


Jaeger-LeCoultreMASTER Grande Tradition Grande Complication Tourbillon Minute Repeater Edition Unique piece - 2020

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication

HARMONY OF STARS AND SOUND

In the heart of the Swiss Jura, the Vallée de Joux embraces a serene and calm atmosphere through its forests and mountains. The sky’s purity reveals its most profound mysteries, making it the ideal place for astrologers to study the astral phenomenon.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication harnesses more than a century and a half of accumulated expertise. This masterpiece of mechanical engineering incorporates two of the most romantic yet technically challenging complications in horology – a minute repeater and a celestial vault. The complex mechanism is further elevated by an orbital flying tourbillon.

MINUTE REPEATER MASTERY

Over the past 150 years, minute repeaters have had a major presence in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s portfolio of complicated timepieces. La Grande Maison’s mastery of chiming watches is confirmed by more than 200 calibres, including some 100 minute repeaters made before the year 1900. Since the mid-1990s, when Jaeger-LeCoultre revived this noble horological legacy, its engineers and designers have worked to redefine the benchmark for acoustic quality, harnessing technology to serve and safeguard horology’s most treasured traditions.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Considered by watchmakers to be the most challenging – and rewarding – of all horological complications to master, a minute repeater is not only a timepiece but also a miniaturised musical instrument. One of the most important elements of a chiming watch is the way in which sound is transmitted from within the watch to be heard by the human ear. The calibre 945 gathers all the accumulated expertise in chiming mechanisms of the Grande Maison, since its foundation in 1833.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

One of the most important elements of a chiming watch is the way in which sound is transmitted from within the watch to be heard by the human ear. Capitalising on the superior acoustic qualities of synthetic sapphire crystal, Jaeger-leCoultre’s patented ‘crystal gongs’ (introduced in 2005) are soldered directly to the sapphire crystal, which acts as an amplifier. The square-profile gongs introduced two years later provide a flat striking surface for the hammers, ensuring more consistent and powerful strikes, while the additional material provides a greater vibrational mass and thus a fuller sound.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Capitalising on the superior acoustic qualities of synthetic sapphire crystal, Jaeger-leCoultre’s patented ‘crystal gongs’ are soldered directly to the sapphire crystal, which acts as an amplifier. The square-profile gongs as well as the articulated trebuchet hammers ensure more consistent and powerful strikes.

ASTRONOMICAL WATCHMAKING

The new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication embodies Jaeger‑LeCoultre’s mastery of astronomical complications in its celestial vault complication. As well as turning on its own axis in 60 seconds, the tourbillon makes a complete, anti-clockwise circuit of the dial in one sidereal day. Slightly shorter than a solar day (on which we base civil timekeeping), a sidereal day is based on Earth’s rotation measured relative to the ‘fixed’ stars.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

In order to depicts a stunning sky-chart of the Northern Hemisphere night sky as seen from the 46th parallel – the latitude of Jaeger‑LeCoultre’s home, Jaeger‑LeCoultre talented watchmakers have invented a complex mechanism based on the sidereal day. The sidereal day is used by astronomers to follow the apparent movement of the stars across the night sky. A golden sun-shaped pointer set at the edge of the disc of constellations indicates the date, the month, and the signs of the Zodiac, as well as the 24-hour scale that is marked on the inner flange of the dial.

Civil time is read on the two concentric rings that complete the dial: applied hour indexes on the first ring and minutes on the silvery-white outer ring.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Slightly shorter than a solar day (on which we base civil timekeeping), a sidereal day is based on Earth’s rotation measured relative to the ‘fixed’ stars, which takes precisely 23 h, 56 min and 4.1 seconds. The sidereal day is used by astronomers to follow the apparent movement of the stars across the night sky.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Ensuring the utmost precision of the watch, the Orbital Flying Tourbillon makes a complete, anti-clockwise circuit of the dial in one sidereal day.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

An exceptional movement merits an exceptional habillage and the new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication brings fresh artistic expression to this marriage of complications. A multiple-level dial amplifies the beauty of the celestial theme while also showcasing the orbiting tourbillon. The delicate filigree which forms a dome, represents the connection between astronomy and horology. This structure echoes the pattern of the constellations, which highlights the complications of this calibre.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The Master Grande Tradition case is a perfect complement to the artistry of the dial and the sophistication of the movement. Comprising more than 80 parts, its convex bezel is complemented by broad bevels on the lugs; the hollowed-out sides of the lugs add dynamic tension, while the repeater slide is tapered to harmonise beautifully with the curving case sides.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Reaffirming Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise in design and mastery of artistic crafts, the timepiece is offered in two versions: one marries the warm glow of pink gold to a black dial, while the other combines deep blue tones with the coolness of white gold and the discreet sparkle of baguette-cut diamonds, which are set on the bezel.A multiple-level dial amplifies the beauty of the celestial theme while also showcasing the orbiting tourbillon.

On the deepest level of the dial, a midnight blue or black disc (depending on the model) is decorated with tiny stars. Above it, a delicate filigree forms a dome, its structure echoing the pattern of the constellations marked on the convex celestial disc. The star chart depicts the Northern Hemisphere night sky, as seen from the 46th parallel – the latitude of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s home in the Vallée de Joux.



The new Master Grande Tradition case, introduced in 2019’s two minute repeaters, is a perfect complement to the artistry of the dial and the sophistication of the movement. Different surfaces are micro-blasted, polished and satin-brushed to maximise the play of light and emphasise the details.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Even the most beautiful chime can be marred by background noise – a problem that Jaeger-LeCoultre resolved 125 years ago, with its patented silent strike governor. Using centrifugal forces to regulate chiming, it eliminates the background buzz characteristic of older striking mechanisms. Recognised as a benchmark, it is now used in almost all chiming watches of the Grande Maison.

The new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of astronomical complications in its celestial vault complication, which defines the dial of the watch. The elegant finishes complement the sophistication of the dial embarking the timepiece into the elevated galaxy of High Watchmaking.
----------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model: MASTER Grande Tradition Grande Complication Tourbillon Edition

Reference: Q5263480 - White gold
Reference: Q5262460 - Pink gold

Movement
Manual mechanical movement
Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 945
Power reserve: 40 hours
Frequency: 21.600 A/h /3 Hz vibrations/ hour
Number of Components: 193
Number of Jewels: 21

Functions
Hours/Minutes
  • Zodiac calendar
  • Month
  • 24-hour indication
  • Orbital flying tourbillon indicating the sidereal time
  • Minute repeater with cathedral ‘crystal gongs’ soldered directly to the sapphire crystal
  • Celestial disc with star chart indicating the constellations in the northern hemisphere
Case
  • White gold
  • Pink gold
Satin, micro-blasted and polished finishes
Pink gold or white gold with bezel set with baguette-cut diamonds (💎44 diamonds – 3.76 

Dimensions: 45 mm
Comprising more than 80 parts
Case back: Open
Water resistance: 50 m
Dial
  • Black dial with golden laser-welded structure (pink gold version)
  • Blue dial with silvered laser welded structure (white gold version)
Recto Hands Baguette
Strap
Hand-sewn blue or brown alligator leather lining
Gold folding-clasp

Limitation:
Limited to 8 pieces


=====================--------
Press Release - 2020
----------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Jaeger-LeCoultre
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Jaeger-LeCoultre.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

CHRONOSWISS – Open Gear ReSec Edition


CHRONOSWISS Open Gear ReSec Electric Blue Limited Edition - 2020

Open Gear ReSecJump Back in Time

Chronoswiss presents its latest modern mechanical timepiece: the Open Gear ReSec, where the large minute hand meets a grand competitor taking over centre stage. On the Open Gear ReSec, the retrograde second hand is the leading actor in the chronological play of time. Mounted on a hand-finished straight-grained bridge with polished edges, the second hand runs in a half-circle from four to eight. After thirty seconds it jumps back to begin again from four.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

This ‘jump back in time’ takes a millisecond, and the precision of the watch is well within ±5 seconds per day,” says Maik Panziera, Chronoswiss Head of Design, about the retrograde display – a truly hypnotic invention with roots stretching back to 17th- century pocket watches.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The elegantly gold-plated minute hand of the Open Gear ReSec circumnavigates the entirety of the 42-part dial. Its tip is extremely sharp, thus enabling you to see exactly what minute it is. Its matt finish resolutely contrasts the shiny hand-guillochéd dial made in Chronoswiss ́ Lucerne atelier, which gives an extremely clear time reading.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


The dial is also encircled with hour indexes made of massive white cylinder- shaped blocks of Super-LumiNova®, ensuring the time is legible even in the darkest hours. Through the funnel-shaped hour subdial the wearer can also enjoy the mechanical ballet of open-gear horology with skeletonised wheels –truly an example of a modern mechanical timepiece.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Looking closer at the details, you will see finishing and engineering solutions on a level not usually found in watches in this price range. For instance, the bridges holding the retrograde complication in place have three different finishes: sandblasted matt, chamfered edges and polished surfaces. This attention for detail is also applied to the exterior: The electric blue CVD-coated 17-part case features matt, channelled sides and a shiny bezel and lugs.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Even the bracelet pins holding the chunky hornback leather crocodile strap in place are more than meets the eye. They are held in place by cone-shaped screws that expand into the holes in a system which obviates the need for Loctite. This patented feature of ours is known as Autobloc. And when you pull out the generous onion crown, the stop-seconds system enables easy and exact time setting.

A mix of new materials, old techniques and contemporary design – this is what it takes to be a modern mechanical brand,” says Chronoswiss CEO Oliver Ebstein

Open Gear ReSec BLGO is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

-------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection:  Open Gear

Model: Open Gear ReSec Stainless steel, blue dial

Reference Number: CH-6926-BLGO

Case
Diameter: 44
mm
Thickness: 13.35 mm
Material: Stainless steel with blue CVD coating

Movement
Caliber: Chronoswiss caliber C. 301
Diameter: 36.50mm
Power Reserve: Approx. 42 hours
Winding: Automatic with stop seconds
Frequency: 4 Hz
Jewels: 33

Chronometer Certified: No
Functions: Off-centre hours at 12:00, central minutes, retrograde seconds at 6:00
Additional Details: Skeletonized blue rotor with Côtes de Genève and ball bearing;
polished pallet lever, escape wheel and screws; bridges and plates with perlage
Pricing & Availability
Dial
Color:
Electric Blue
Indexes: Lume filled circular indexes
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet
Hornback crocodile leather, hand-sewn

Limited Edition: Yes, 50 pieces


Price: CHF 9,900

Availability: Immediately

Available
CH-6921R-GRSI 18-karat red gold, dial galvanic grey
CH-6923-SIBL Stainless steel, dial galvanic silver
CH-6925-BKGRE Stainless steel, DLC coating, dial galvanic black
CH-6925-BKRE Stainless steel, DLC coating, dial galvanic black
CH-6926-BLBL Stainless steel, blue DLC coating, blue dial

---------------------------------
Press Release - 2020
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - Chronoswiss Watches
-----------------------------------------------------------------
 www.Chronoswiss.com

Monday, May 25, 2020

VACHERON CONSTANTIN – OVERSEAS Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin Skeleton


VACHERON CONSTANTINOVERSEAS Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin Skeleton  - 2020

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO
























  • A journey to the heart of mechanical intricacies
  •     An entirely openworked ultra-thin Manufacture movement with perpetual calendar, Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1
  •     An incredibly slim case, just 8.1 mm thick
  •     Interchangeable bracelet/straps
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


























The Overseas collection is enriching its range with a new territory to explore. The prestige of a precious metal case and bracelet is now complemented by the extreme sophistication of an openworked movement that is also ultra-thin and houses a perpetual calendar, giving the timepiece a contemporary and horologically sophisticated look.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO





























In this new gold-clad version, Vacheron Constantin highlights the expression of Haute Horlogerie values. While retaining its dynamic design, the aesthetic of the timepiece is transfigured by a sapphire dial inviting observers on a journey to the heart of the extremely thin 4.05 mm openworked perpetual calendar movement.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO






































Complexity transcending the complication itself

Much appreciated by collectors for its reliability, its extreme precision and its performance, self-winding Calibre 1120 QPSQ is now joining the Overseas collection in a new guise. Entirely openworked, which is a feat in itself, it reveals its mechanical intricacies beneath a sapphire crystal.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The transparent caseback also stages a fascinating watchmaking show starring the gear trains and the NAC-treated oscillating weight with its segment in 22K gold, which is also openworked for the first time in the Overseas collection so as to highlight its stylised design shaped like a Maltese cross.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Skeletonisation is regarded by connoisseurs as a watchmaking complication in itself and is indeed a speciality during watchmaking training. This technique, which consists of finely openworking a mechanical movement by hollowing out its components yet without compromising their reliability, is an extremely complex undertaking: a quest for transparency coupled with highly sophisticated skills mastered by very few watchmaking artisans.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Today, Vacheron Constantin is one of the rare Manufactures capable of openworking calibres as complex as perpetual calendars and ultra-thin movements. All components of the 1120 QPSQ calibre have been hollowed out, finished and decorated, so as to exalt the functional beauty of the mechanism.

The peak of artisanal watchmaking expertise

To fully match the style of Overseas, the movement has benefited from special finishing work, entirely performed by hand. Multiple skills have thus come into play so as to endow the mechanism with the sought-after aesthetic perfection.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Straight-graining the surfaces to give them a satin-brushed finish; bevelling straight lines and curves to make the create light effects; circular brushing, sunburst finishing, circular-graining and polishing to ensure varied reliefs:

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

while the use of all these ancestral craftsmanship techniques has served to highlight the beauty of the components, an anthracite grey shade obtained by means of an NAC electrolytic treatment gives the mechanism a very modern face.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The dial bears applied 18K 5N pink gold hour-markers, the Maltese cross emblem as well as day, date and month-counter rings. This design ensures that the watch is perfectly legible while allowing the gaze to roam freely through the heart of the movement and admire its hand-crafted finishing.

A calendar requiring no adjustment until 2100

While watches with simple calendars – indicating the day, date and month – require constant adjustments according to months with 28, 29 and 30 days, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar ultra-thin skeleton watch will not require any intervention until March 1, 2100, neither for its calendar indications nor for the moon phases.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


Achieving such a performance with a movement that slim – yet housing 276 components – called for authentic feats of design and miniaturisation.

The freedom of personalisation

Like all models in the Overseas collection, this exceptional watch offers a modular touch via a simple and convenient bracelet/strap interchangeability system.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Fitted with a gold bracelet whose satin-brushed half Maltese cross-shaped links underline the elegance of the timepiece, it also comes with two additional straps in blue alligator leather and blue rubber.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Available in an 18K 5N all-gold version, the new Overseas Skeleton Perpetual Calendar watch perpetuates the travel-driven spirit of the collection and combines the refinement of precious metal with the nobility of its ultra-thin openworked complication movement.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The 41.5 mm-diameter case houses the prestigious Calibre 1120 QPSQ, which combines an extraordinary aesthetic with Haute Horlogerie values.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Greatly appreciated by collectors for its technical qualities and its performance (no adjustment will be required before March 1st 2100, neither for the day, date and month indications, nor for the moon phases), this entirely openworked ultra-thin NAC-treated anthracite grey mechanism is visible through a transparent sapphire dial bearing applied 18K 5N pink gold hour-markers.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The transparent caseback also stages a fascinating watchmaking show starring the gear trains and the NAC-treated oscillating weight with its segment in 22K gold, which is also openworked for the first time in the Overseas collection so as to highlight its stylised design shaped like a Maltese cross.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO


-------------------------------------------
Technical Specifications

Model:  OVERSEAS Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin Skeleton Chronograph –

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO
Reference  4300V/120R-B547

Movement 
Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
22K openworked oscillating weight in the shape of a Maltese cross NAC treatment
29.6 mm (12½’’’) diameter, 4.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour)
276 components
36
jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications
  • Hours and minutes
  • Perpetual calendar (date, day of the week, month, leap year)
  • Moon phases
Case
18K 5N pink gold
41.5 mm diameter, 8.1 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial
Sapphire
18K 5N pink gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with white luminescent material
Bracelet/Straps
18K 5N pink gold bracelet (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by a 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system
Delivered with a second strap blue Mississippiensis alligator leather featuring a blue nubuck lining, with a micro-perforated effect, hand-stitched,
Delivered with a third strap in blue rubber
Clasp
Each additional strap comes with an 18K 5N pink gold buckle
The peak of artisanal watchmaking expertise

Piece only available through the Vacheron Constantin boutiques.

World price: 105'000 € / 115'000 USD



********************
#VACHERONCONSTANTIN
#OneOfNotMany

#Perpetual Calendar
#OVERSEAS

---------------------------------
Press Release - 2020
---------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Vacheron Constantin
Press Department
10, Chemin du Tourbillon
P.O. Box 95
CH-1228
Plan-les-Ouates/Geneva
Tel. +41 22 930 20 05
Fax +41 22 930 20 06
press@vacheron-constantin.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Vacheron Constantin 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Vacheron-Constantin.com