The new Traditionnelle Moon Phase is an ode to Vacheron Constantin’s unique technical and aesthetic signatures marked by excellent craftsmanship.
True to its name, Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle timepieces represent the most demanding Geneva Haute Horlogerie traditions from the 18th century. Anchored in heritage, the collection showcases technical refinement conveyed through eminently horological characteristics, paying tribute to craftsmanship and know-how passed down generations. Timeless elegance and contemporary stringency define the Traditionnelle series and the latest Traditionnelle Moon Phase is no exception.
This exquisite bejewelled creation showcases the Maison’s breathtaking jewellery-making skills. The entire watch is paved with diamonds; 548 round-cut diamonds in ten different diameters ranging from 0.7 to 15mm are paved onto the dial using the snow-setting technique. To achieve the effect of seamless integration requires the gem-setter to be skilful enough to master the available space. This means successfully bypassing the moon phase while following the curve of the power reserve indication and integrating the white gold hour-markers.
To enhance legibility, the small seconds counter is further set with 38 diamonds rimmed by 24 stones. The prong setting is also extended to 225 round-cut diamonds – totalling approximately 4.8 carats – adorning the bezel, case middle, lugs and crown. To add depth, two night-blue touches serve to enhance the rigorous discipline of prong setting and the effervescence of the snow setting. The 40-hour power-reserve indicator features a tinted mother-of-pearl inlay, while the moon phases – standing out on a star-studded disc and in a matching gold hue as the case with an opaline finish – appear through an aperture between 8 and 9 o’clock.
Based on 29-day, 12-hour and 45-minute lunar cycles, incorporated into the mechanism in the form of a 135-tooth wheel, the moon phases are driven by the in-house 1410 AS movement. This high-precision moon, also known as the “astronomical moon”, displays a variation in rate of just one day every 122 years. This impressive achievement is complemented by the masterful finishing of the manual-winding movement – circular-grained on the front mainplate and featuring a Côtes de Genève motif adorning the bridges on the reverse side, complete with hand-chamfered edges and straight-grained flanks.
The 18K white gold watch case is elegantly sized at 37.5mm. Paired with a night-blue satin-effect alligator leather strap – interchangeable at the touch of a button and tool-free – fitted with a white gold pin buckle featuring 21 round-cut diamonds, the charm of the Traditionnelle Moon Phase is complete.
Images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Links:
Vacheron Constantin: A Legacy of Understanding Women
Vacheron Constantin: Traditionelle Extraordinaire
Vacheron Constantin: Experience the Anatomy of Beauty
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface
Vacheron Constantin: Silver Fox
