Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. SIHH 2015: Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Collection
On the occasion of the 260th anniversary of its founding, the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin unveils the first models of an entirely new collection called Harmony. Issued in limited editions, these both contemporary and vintage-inspired timepieces feature a new cushion shape and a design inspired by one of the brand’s first wristwatch chronographs introduced in 1928. New in-house movements, new design, interesting complications: please welcome the Vacheron Constantin Harmony collection.
Common features of the Vacheron Constantin Harmony collection
Seven new watches (including 2 ladies watches), starting from a rather simple dual-time timepiece to an extremely complicated ultra-slim split-second chronograph… Vacheron-Constantin is not just presenting a new model, it’s an entire collection, mainly focused on chronographs and coming with a singular design and high-end movements, all developed especially for this new range. Clearly, Vacheron Constantin wants to please collectors for its 260th anniversary.
The design is pleasant and modern, even if inspired from an antique watch. It shows a curved case middle, a square bezel and a round watch glass meet in an elegant reinterpretation of the monopusher chronograph with pulsometric scale presented by the Manufacture in 1928. The dials are also inspired by these antique chronographs and comes with contrasting scales and bi-compax layouts (two sub-counters).
Finishings are also extremely interesting on the 4 new movements: all are coming with hand-made engravings – on the cock bridge or the rotor – and all are adorned with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. The Harmony collection successfully blends tradition of Haute Horlogerie with modernity of the technical solutions and a truly inspired design.
The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph Caliber 3500
The flagship model of the new collection, presented in a 10-piece limited, numbered edition: the new Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph immediately makes its mark in the field of ultra-thin horology by setting a new world record with its self-winding movement measuring just 5.20 mm thick and its 8.40 mm cushion-shaped case.
What we are talking about here is a pure feast for collectors and Haute Horlogerie lovers. The movement combines an automatic winding with peripheral rotor – a very rare complication that explains this very thin movement, as the rotor is not located on the top of the movement but around it, thus saving at least 2mm / 3mm, like the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Thin Automatic 5377 or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph – a split-second monopusher chronograph (actuate by 2 column-wheels), a total of 459 parts, all hand-finished, a bi-compax layout and a power-reserve indicator together in an extremely compact calibre.
This caliber benefits from the numerous advanced features designed by the Manufacture’s development team, including the so-called “friction” technique for the lateral coupling clutch, which serves to reduce a potential jerk of the hand when the chronograph starts running. Another particularly notable breakthrough is the blocking of the rotor when the barrel is sufficiently wound, thereby avoiding excessive tension in the winding spring. furthermore, the movement is not only technically advanced but also extremely beautiful to look at, with a superb layout, as none of the elements are hidden by the rotor.
The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph comes in a 950 Platinum case measuring 42mm x 52 mm and 8.4 mm thick. The dial shows a nice contrast between the white opaline base, the blue Arabic numerals (matching the strap) and the red tachymeter scale.
The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph Caliber 3200
Powered by the new hand-winding Vacheron Constantin Caliber 3200, the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph combines the elegance of the monopusher chronograph with the prestige of a stunning tourbillon shaped like the Maltese Cross, this exceptional new model is issued in a highly exclusive series of 26 individually numbered timepieces, housed in a precious 950 platinum case.
Vacheron Constantin Caliber 3200 features a bridge hand-engraved with delicate scrolling patterns. It drives the hours, minutes, small seconds, a one-minute tourbillon, a monopusher chronograph with 45-minute counter and a power-reserve indicator. Endowed with a 65-hour power reserve, this mechanical hand-winding complication movement is composed of 292 parts, all hand-decorated, as the Hallmark of Geneva can attest.
The case measures 42 mm x 52 mm and 12.81 mm thick. It comes with a white opaline dial, with Arabic numerals.
The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph Caliber 3300
Not that the other editions are not desirable – of course a ultra-thin split-second chrono is a real pleasure – but this Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph Caliber 3300 should be regarded as the most rational, wearable and nicer option. First of all, it gets rid of the very nice but old Calibre 1141, based on a Lemania movement. Instead, it comes with an entirely new monopusher movement (we love monopushers here at Monochrome-Watches), the calibre 3300. Endowed with a 65-hour power reserve, this monopusher chronograph movement adopts the classic architecture of the new chronograph movements presented by the Manufacture to mark its 260th anniversary, while benefiting from modern production technologies.
It comes with a gold engraved cock-bridge, a column-wheel (with malt cross in the middle) and handsome finishes, as it comes with Hallmark of Geneva certification. It displays the hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, along with a monopusher chronograph function and its 45-mints sub-counter, a pulsometric scale and a power-reserve indication. In tribute to the 1928 model and to historical medical watches, it bears a pulsometric graduation painted in deep red around the rim of the dial and intended to calculate the pulse on a 30-beat scale.
The case is made of 18K 5N pink gold and measures 42 mm x 52 mm and 12.81 mm thick. It is delivered with a brown alligator strap. The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph Caliber 3300 is limited to 260 pieces.
The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time Caliber 2460DT
The smallest, most affordable and simplest edition of the Vacheron Constantin harmony collection shouldn’t be regarded as the ugly duckling. It is the only edition not to bear a chronograph function. Instead it comes with some of the most practical indications: a second time-zone and a night-and-day indicator. Calibre 2460DT incorporates a safe and useful innovation, as all settings may be done by the crown in both directions, without any risk of damaging the mechanism. This caliber comprises a special stop seconds device ensuring a more accurate time display.
Like all the watches from the Vacheron Constantin Harmony collection, the Harmony Dual Time are certified by the Hallmark of Geneva and feature an oscillating weight adorned with a commemorative motif forming delicate scrolling patterns. Movement boasts a 40-hour power reserve. Two masculine versions are available (alongside a feminine edition) in 18K white gold or 18K 5N pink gold, with a smaller case measuring a reasonable 40 mm x 49.3 mm for 11.43 mm thick. It is a limited edition of 625 pieces.
Prices for the Vacheron Constantin Harmony collection are to be revealed soon. We’ll update the article once all the datas confirmed by the brand and we’ll come back soon with a hands-on review with exclusive live photos.
More details on Vacheron Constantin.
3 responses
This is perhaps the best release from SIHH 2015. Just wonderful.
Outstanding watches from a great brand.
Loved your report, thanks!
Harmony Chronograph Monopusher – EUR 55.000 (ex VAT)
Harmony Dual Time – EUR 32.000 (ex VAT)