The manufacture’s Collection Excellence Platine welcomes a new split-seconds chronograph.
The Traditionnelle Split-seconds Chronograph Ultra-thin Collection Excellence Platine is Vacheron Constantin’s latest addition to its Collection Excellence Platine line. Conceived as a celebration of the brand’s best watches and movements, every model in this collection is rendered in platinum, including its case, dial, and clasp. Even the thread used for the stitching in these watches’ straps is a blend of silk and platinum. Naturally, these models are all limited edition; just 15 pieces of the Traditionnelle Split-seconds Chronograph Ultra-thin Collection Excellence Platine will be produced.
The novelty’s calling card is its ultra-thin split-seconds movement, Calibre 3500, which was first introduced in 2015 to mark Vacheron Constantin’s 260th anniversary. Superlative finishing aside, it’s also a technical marvel – despite being a rattrapante chronograph movement, it measures just 5.2mm high. What’s more, it’s also self-winding, and has a comfortable 48-hour power reserve to boot. The movement’s ultra-thin construction translates to a svelte case that’s 10.72mm thick for a comfortable presence on the wrist, despite its 42.5mm diameter.
Unlike the archetypal split-seconds chronograph, the Traditionnelle here features streamlined controls. As a mono-pusher chronograph, its start, stop, and reset functions are all accessed via a single pusher that has been integrated into the crown. Meanwhile, pausing and resuming the split-seconds hand’s movement is done via the secondary pusher at two o’clock. Rounding out its technical features is the power reserve indicator at six o’clock, which offers an instant readout of the watch’s remaining going time.
In terms of aesthetics, the Traditionnelle Split-seconds Chronograph Ultra-thin Collection Excellence Platine features the same design language as its siblings in the line-up. This includes the sandblasted dial, as well as the usage of blue accents to complement the cold, crisp platinum elements. For the connoisseur seeking a timeless classic, this stately piece of technical wonder will be an excellent choice.
Images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Links:
Vacheron Constantin: Traditionelle Extraordinaire
Vacheron Constantin: Sealed with a Digital Kiss
Vacheron Constantin: The New Romantic
