These four watches are new models of pieces already launched in November 2014. Vacheron Constantin are presenting them as a preview to the watch fair SIHH that begins on 18 January 2016. The watches are 37 mm in diameter and set with 194 diamonds, and each has a different style of decoration. In my view the real highlight is the open-worked ultra-thin calibre 1003 SQRH2, 21.1 mm in diameter and just 1.64 mm thick. It is hand-wound, with 117 components, running at 2.5 Hertz (18,000 vph) providing about 31 hours of power reserve. The skeletonization makes it a delight to see the piece running and trace the power as it runs from mainspring down to the balance and on to the hands. You can see the spirals of the mainspring that provides an empirical indication of the watch’s state of winding. Water resistance is the customary 30 metres (no showering or swimming).
Four versions have been made, each a limited edition of 20 pieces. They are available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
Vacheron Constantin Reference 33580/000R-B009 – French lace
In this piece, the base of the gold dial is guilloché-decorated, on which there is translucent Grand Feu enamel and a series of decorative swirls and gold appliqués, into which diamonds and red sapphires are set. Red alligator strap.
Vacheron Constantin Reference 33580/000G-B011 – Chinese embroidery
The base of the decorative section is in mother-of-pearl that suggests jade, onto which opal stones sculpted into floral shapes are set, finished with leaves in white gold. The watch has a pink alligator strap.
Vacheron Constantin Reference 33580/000G-B010 – Ottoman architecture
This piece has an Escher-like fascination, with the Ottoman motif in gold studded with pearls gradually decreasing in size towards the right. The burgundy mother-of-pearl base matches the colour of the alligator strap.
Vacheron Constantin Reference 33580/000G-B008 – Indian manuscript
This piece is made by different colours of enamel set into areas created by shapes in white gold, in the champlevé technique, completed by hand-engraving. The red, orange and purple colours are evocative of the Indian continent. Purple alligator strap. Below, a detail of the spectacular movement.
