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Lot Essay
This Patrimony Traditionelle ‘Grande Complication’ is not only incredibly attractive, it is also a wristwatch of extraordinary complexity that perfectly represents the innovation, excellence and purity of design that defines the Vacheron Constantin brand. Chief among the Grand Complication models presented by Vacheron Constantin at the SIHH 2010, it was made in a very small limited series thought to be 10 pieces. This awe-inspiring timepiece is certainly one of the most elegant and exclusive high-complication wristwatches of the modern era.
Housed in a perfectly proportioned 44 mm. platinum case with classic mid-century styling, the equally perfectly proportioned frosted solid platinum dial immediately highlights the formidable complications of the caliber 2253 movement within. In the lower half of the dial the one-minute tourbillon is displayed with its distinctive Maltese cross cage carrying the seconds hand. The tourbillon is flanked by sectors indicating the time of sunrise and the time of sunset which are custom set to the original client’s location. In the upper half of the dial are subsidiary dials for the perpetual calendar and the leap-years, the sector at 11 o’clock is for equation of time, showing the difference in minutes between true solar time and mean time. Both the sunrise/sunset and equation of time complications are extremely difficult to construct, only watchmakers of exceptional skill are capable of making movements with these seldom-seen mechanisms. Indeed, it is the Vacheron Constantin 30-jewel caliber 2253 movement that truly sets this watch apart, despite being functionally very complicated, it is also extremely precise, earning it the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Further increasing the impressiveness of this feat are the various technological advancements housed in the movement, such as a 14-day power reserve provided by four barrels coupled in two pairs, the power reserve sector is visible through the sapphire case back.
For the collector of high complication watches, there is no better opportunity to own a truly symbolic and complicated piece from one of the most respected watchmakers in the industry.
Vacheron Constantin is one of the greatest watch houses in the world, their reputation for innovation and excellence in the production of complicated watches is almost unrivalled. The company currently holds the record for making the most complicated watch in the world, the reference 57260, with an incredible 57 complications including a (retrograde) split-seconds chronograph.
Housed in a perfectly proportioned 44 mm. platinum case with classic mid-century styling, the equally perfectly proportioned frosted solid platinum dial immediately highlights the formidable complications of the caliber 2253 movement within. In the lower half of the dial the one-minute tourbillon is displayed with its distinctive Maltese cross cage carrying the seconds hand. The tourbillon is flanked by sectors indicating the time of sunrise and the time of sunset which are custom set to the original client’s location. In the upper half of the dial are subsidiary dials for the perpetual calendar and the leap-years, the sector at 11 o’clock is for equation of time, showing the difference in minutes between true solar time and mean time. Both the sunrise/sunset and equation of time complications are extremely difficult to construct, only watchmakers of exceptional skill are capable of making movements with these seldom-seen mechanisms. Indeed, it is the Vacheron Constantin 30-jewel caliber 2253 movement that truly sets this watch apart, despite being functionally very complicated, it is also extremely precise, earning it the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Further increasing the impressiveness of this feat are the various technological advancements housed in the movement, such as a 14-day power reserve provided by four barrels coupled in two pairs, the power reserve sector is visible through the sapphire case back.
For the collector of high complication watches, there is no better opportunity to own a truly symbolic and complicated piece from one of the most respected watchmakers in the industry.
Vacheron Constantin is one of the greatest watch houses in the world, their reputation for innovation and excellence in the production of complicated watches is almost unrivalled. The company currently holds the record for making the most complicated watch in the world, the reference 57260, with an incredible 57 complications including a (retrograde) split-seconds chronograph.