We continue the introduction of major new products for 2022 from high-end watchmaker replica Vacheron Constantin. Historiques 222 took center stage at this Watch’s & Wonders Geneva (WWG 2022), so they’re full of interesting models, although they have received relatively little attention.
This is the first tourbillon skeleton to be deployed in the Overseas Collection. As the lineup is different, it feels completely different from existing skeleton models such as the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton, and it is read as a strategic move to diversify the top lineup of the collection. It is also eye-catching that it is presented only in two cases, grade 5 titanium and pink gold, instead of steel.
Common to both versions, the case diameter is 42.5mm and thickness is 10.39mm, and it is water resistant to 50m. The movement used the 2160 SQ, a skeletonized version of the Maison’s first automatic tourbillon caliber 2160 with a peripheral rotor design. While most of the movement’s structure is lightly painted, the edges of each bridge are beautifully finished with beveling (angle) and polishing, giving you a glimpse of the high-end finish. In addition, the main plate and bridges are painted in a dark gray color using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) electrolytic treatment to differentiate them from their traditional skeleton movements. It is also the preferred method of the latest Vacheron Constantin.
Consisting of 186 parts and 30 jewels, the in-house automatic tourbillon caliber 2160 SQ has a tourbillon cage with a balance that vibrates at 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz), fixed under an openwork dial bridge, rotating once per minute. It is also interesting to replace the small second indicator with gray (pink gold version) or blue (titanium version) color on one of the four screws that hold the tourbillon cage in the shape of the Maison’s symbol, the Maltese cross. The new in-house hairspring in Breguet overcoil style is applied, and the outer spring coil is folded towards the center outward in a horizontal plane, flattening the spring for improved isochronism. Another element that symbolizes the Overseas line, a compass in the shape of a wind rose, can be seen on the openwork structure of the barrel bridge. The 2160 SQ caliber has a power reserve of approximately 80 hours, and is always awarded the Poinçon de Genève, or the Geneva Hallmark (Geneva Seal), recognizing that it is a luxury replica watch movement made in Geneva.
The transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals another aspect of the unique tourbillon skeleton movement, while the 22K gold peripheral rotor is also eye-catching. Thanks to the peripheral rotor design that supports self-winding by going around the outside of the plate, it is only 5.65mm thin even though it is an automatic tourbillon movement, so the thickness of the case was also 10mm slim. Naturally, this contributes to the fit.
The pink gold version has a dial ring in black lacquered pink gold with a satin brushed bezel ring, and the titanium version has a sand-blasted bezel ring with a blue PVD dial ring in white gold. The difference in detail depending on the material is also noteworthy. Each of the hour markers and hands used on the sapphire crystal dial is made of pink gold or white gold depending on the case, and is filled with white Super-LumiNova to ensure sufficient readability even in the dark.
Both the Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton Pink Gold Version (Ref. 6000V/110R-B934) and Titanium Version (Ref. 6000V/110T-B935) are released as regular models rather than limited editions. Available only in select Vacheron Constantin boutiques. For reference, the domestic launch price of the titanium version is 19,800, and the pink gold version has not yet been released due to the rapidly changing global gold market price.
A new color variation of the perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton debuting in the 2020 Overseas collection. Following the first version presented with a silver-white dial in a pink gold case, this year, it is presented in a pink gold case with a blue dial combination. Continuing the success of its predecessor, which won the Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize at the Geneva Watch Grand Prix (GPHG 2020), you can see the color codes favored by the Maison in recent years.
As in the previous version, it is presented in a pink gold case and pink gold bracelet. In a case measuring 41.5 mm in diameter and 8.1 mm in thickness, the movement continues the in-house automatic perpetual calendar skeleton caliber 1120 QPSQ/1, which is extremely thin for its functionality. . The 1120 QPSQ/1 caliber has been lavishly skeletonized in most of the movement’s main plate and bridges. The corners of each bridge treated with NAC are carefully angle-finished, the plate is densely decorated with perlage to the invisible side, and the screw head fixing the bridge and the edge of the jewel hole are polished to finish the essence of high-end finishing. can be checked.
Consisting of a total of 276 parts and 36 jewels, the 1120 QPSQ/1 caliber maintains the same 4.05mm thickness as the existing automatic perpetual calendar caliber, making the case as thin as 8mm. The power reserve is guaranteed for about 40 hours, and it has received the Geneva Hallmark, which certifies that it is a luxury watch movement made in Geneva. Like the front of the case, the case back also features a transparent sapphire crystal, allowing you to admire the beautiful skeleton movement. 22K gold weight is added to the end of the rotor, which is shaped like the Maison’s symbol, the Malte cross, and the Vacheron Constantin brand logo is engraved in the center. For reference, the case waterproof specification is 50m.
A sub-dial that displays the day, date and month with separate hands is integrated on one movement, which is exposed on the dial face. As it is a perpetual calendar, there is no need to adjust the watch until March 1, 2100 to ensure normal operation. Also at 6 o’clock is a sophisticated moonphase display that works precisely according to the actual lunar age cycle. The dark blue lacquered moonphase disk reminiscent of the night sky has a unique lyrical taste by adding a small constellation shape to it. Here, a pair of polished gold doors alternately represent the lunar ebb and flow.
The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton Blue Version (Ref. 4300V/120R-B642) can also be found in designated Vacheron Constantin boutiques around the world, and the domestic price is set at 185 million won.
Following the sporty Overseas line, we introduce a new product from the traditional line that represents the Maison’s classic high watchmaking. The traditional perpetual calendar chronograph has been reinterpreted this year in a platinum case with a Salmon color dial combination. Recently, several high-end Maisons such as Lange and Sohne and Patek Philippe have launched Salmon dial products one after another.https://www.vipwatches.eu