Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle WorldTime pièce unique for Only Watch 2013

When Vacheron Constantin introduced the Patrimony Traditionnelle WorldTime in 2011, it was the first mechanical watch that tells the time in all 37 timezones of our world. To this date it is still the most complete mechanical worldtimer for the wrist and for the upcoming Only Watch Auction they created a unique piece. This unique Patrimony Traditionnelle WorldTime comes in platinum and features a white cloisonné enamel dial with a red 24-hour day/night ring. 

The 24-hour day/night ring around the 37 cities of the matching time zones, is in the colors of the Principality of Monaco, namely red and white. Monaco is where bi-annual Only Watch Auction took place for the past 4 editions and this year Monaco will host the fifth edition of this prestigious auction for a good cause. Antiquorum Auctioneers will auction all 36 unique pieces for Only Watch on September 28th, when the Principality also hosts the Monaco Yacht Show.

Vacheron Constantin’s entry for the Only Watch auction is the first and only Patrimony WorldTime in a white metal, platinum to be precise. A pink gold version is in the standard collection and features a dial with a map of the world.  as it was only made in pink gold until now. Besides being a unique platinum version it features a stunning cloisonné enamel dial.

Cloisonné, or closonne in French, is a technique for decorating metalwork objects (in this case the dial), using enamel or other inlays of cut gemstones, glass, and other materials; the resulting object is called “cloisonné” (check Wikipedia here). The result is an extraordinary enamel dial, comprising several small enamel parts which together resemble France and parts of  the surrounding countries. Monaco is highlighted with an extra mark or dot and with by naming this Principality as the city that represents the GMT+1 timezone; usually this timezone is represented by Geneva, at least on the Patrimony Traditionnelle WorldTime.

The Only Watch auction is held every two years. Watch brands offer unique watches or the 1st piece from a limited edition and the proceeds of the sale goes to research against muscular dystrophies. You can read more about the Only Watch auction in our previous article about the titanium Patek Philippe ref. 5004T Split-Seconds Perpetual Calendar.