Vacheron Constantin presents the new new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle openface retrograde date tourbillon. This timepiece is an expression of avant-garde aesthetics, mechanical sophistication and a desire to share the experience creative.

The opening on the architecture of the 2162 R31 movement – ​​with its slate gray hue obtained with the NAC surface treatment – ​​is perfectly visible on both sides of the watch, and highlights its mechanical power. The retrograde date indication, completed by the tourbillon, acquires greater depth thanks to the functional and contemporary style.

Openface design and retrograde date

We speak of retrograde indication when the indicator does not complete a complete revolution of the dial, but returns to the starting point and starts advancing again after having covered the entire measurement segment. Typically this is an arc of a circle traversed by a dedicated hand. Most retrograde indications involve cyclical time indications: hours, minutes, seconds, days or dates. It is a mechanism that requires extreme precision and rigorous discipline, particularly with regard to resistance to shocks and wear. At Vacheron Constantin, retrograde indications spread for the first time in the XNUMXs, at a time when the Maison stood out for its style inspired by the aesthetic principles of Art Déco, which let the imagination run wild and expressed eccentric tones and extravagant.

Heir to the References 47245 and 47247 from the early 41s, the Traditionnelle openface retrograde date tourbillon combines a retrograde indication with a partially skeletonized dial, another Maison signature dating back to the early 11,07th century. The openface dials highlight the technical nature and meticulous and constant attention to detail through an avant-garde aesthetic approach. Featuring a rose gold case measuring XNUMXmm in diameter and just XNUMXmm thick, this new timepiece is fitted with a gray alligator strap with a rose gold folding clasp.

An alternation di finishes in segno of the Haute Horology e of audacity technique

Round stepped case and lugs, fluted case back, slim bezel, small parts chemin de fer,faceted Dauphine hands and gold baton hour markers: the characteristics of the Traditionnelle collection are rooted in the great tradition of High quality watchmaking of Geneva. At Vacheron Constantin, however, respect for the past does not exclude creativity, it actually stimulates it. The result of three years of work and dialogue between craftsmen and master watchmakers, this timepiece features an alternation of handcrafted finishes that give it a remarkable depth.

The sapphire crystal skeletonized dial, which also features a segment guilloche, reveals the Manufacture caliber 2162 R31, in which the plate of the retrograde mechanism is highlighted by a slate gray surface treatment, obtained with a succession of thin galvanic layers. The dial is further enhanced by the vertical brushing done by hand on the upper part, the surface of which has been smoothed with a special abrasive that serves to create delicate light effects, as well as by the lower part guilloche by hand. The retrograde indication of the date, associated with the tourbillon, thus acquires greater depth in a very contemporary and decidedly horological style.

The tourbillon, stylized and in the shape of a carved Maltese cross, boasts a series of refined and complex finishes: the inside of the cage is angle by hand, while the tapered crossbar is hand polished, and has a near-perfect mirror-like luster.

The caliber 2162 R31

Proudly bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, the Traditionnelle tourbillon retrograde date openface timepiece is powered by an in-house movement comprising 242 components. The 2162 R31 caliber revisits the concept of High quality watchmaking adapting it to the contemporary era through the NAC slate gray finish, the 72-hour power reserve and the gold-decorated peripheral mass.

Beating at a rate of 18.000 vibrations per hour and measuring just 6,25 mm thick, the 2162 R31 caliber combines a retrograde date display with a tourbillon. This unprecedented combination takes the form of a technical geometry, with the retrograde mechanism visible to the naked eye through the skeletonized dial.

The majestic tourbillon is set on the contemporary mainplate with a very high quality watchmaking finish that reflects the great Genevan tradition.