Vacheron Constantin, known for its centuries-old heritage and contemporary spirit of innovation, announces new additions to its Overseas, Traditionnelle and Historiques ranges this year

SINGAPORE (Dec 4): Earlier in November, Vacheron Constantin introduced two timepieces to be presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève 2018: a new Overseas dual-time ­model and the Traditionnelle complete ­calendar, which form part of the Collection Excellence Platine, the ­luxury Swiss manufacturer’s most prestigious range of watches.

The Pre-SIHH 2018 models were presented at the Dubai Watch Week — just barely a month after the brand launched five references in the Historiques line. These comprised the classic Historiques ­American 1921 in a smaller 36.5mm version and re-editions of two calendar watches from the 1940s with two references each.

Whether stepping back in time or venturing into new concepts of form and function, these Hallmark of Geneva-certified timepieces remain true to ­Vacheron Constantin’s exceptional watchmaking heritage.

Take to the skies
Designed especially for jet-setters, the new Overseas dual-time watch enables the simultaneous reading of two time zones via the coaxial hands. The easily adjusted dual-time calibre boasts in-house movements designed for user-friendliness and the translucent lacquered dial has faceted and luminescent gold hands and hour markers. The timepiece’s six-sided bezel is inspired by the Maltese cross, while a wind rose adorns its 22-carat gold oscillating weight. There is a choice of a 41mm-diameter stainless steel or 18K 5N pink-gold case and either blue or silver dials, and the watch is delivered with two additional straps that match the shade of the dial and an interchangeable stainless steel folding clasp.

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Perennial elegance
The new Traditionnelle complete calendar watch embodies the classic elegance and exclusivity of Vacheron Constantine’s Excellence Platine range. The case, dial and folding clasp are crafted in 950 platinum. This superlative take on the classic triple calendar comes in an exclusive series of 100 individually numbered pieces. Adhering to the aesthetic code of the Traditionnelle collection, the model is equipped with an in-house calibre, an “Etagé” case, a fluted caseback, a railway-type minute track, Dauphine-type hour and minute hands, as well as “bâtons de Genève” hour markers.

Icons of an era
Two new Historiques Triple Calendrier models have been introduced. They feature a complete calendar in 40mm-diameter cases, with the distinctive “triple gadroon” case band bearing claw-type lugs as well as new manual-winding calibres. The 1942 model was inspired by reference 4240 and has a sunburst satin-finished centre. Its calendar indications appear in either burgundy or dark blue on a two-tone silvered dial. Meanwhile, the limited-edition Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948 (pictured) is crafted in 18K 4N pink gold and has a silvered opaline centre, Roman numerals and triangle-type hour markers. Its triple calendar is enhanced by a precision moon phase indicator — the moon disc is in either burgundy or dark blue and the leather strap comes in a matching colour and is secured by a pin buckle.

Petite delight
The avant-garde, classic and quirky Historiques American 1921 is reinterpreted this year in a smaller 36.5mm model that comes in an 18K 5N pink-gold, cushion-shaped case and a transparent sapphire crystal caseback, in addition to its distinctive diagonal read-off. Black-painted Arabic numerals and slender open-tipped black oxidised 18K gold hands adorn the finely grained silver-toned dial. Featuring a hand-stitched dark-brown alligator leather strap, the watch is delivered with a second red alligator shiny leather strap (pictured) for those who prefer a more feminine look.