By Osheen Arakelian
To celebrate the 260th anniversary, yes, 260th anniversary of their founding, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled the first models of an entirely new range called Harmony. Issued is very limited numbers, these timepieces feature a new cushion shape inspired by one of the brands first chronograph timepieces, first seen around 1928. In the collection are 7 new times, 5 for men and 2 for women.
The standout timepiece from the collection is the beautiful Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph Caliber 3500 that’s limited to just 10 pieced. What is amazing about this piece is the ridiculous attention to detail from front to back in order to make it the worlds thinnest self-winding movement measuring in at a ultra-slim 5.20mm thick, slim enough to make any Hollywood celebrity feel jealous with envy. The case measures a similar ultra-slim 8.40mm thick and is quite the site to see.
What makes this particular piece possible is the use of a very ingenious and ultra-complicated design that has allowed the Manufacture to position the winding rotor around the edge of the movement using a peripheral rotor instead of the common rotor locked onto the centre of the movement. This allows for the movement to remain super slim while still maintaining its reliability and effective timekeeping.
Next up is the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph Calibre 3200 that is powered by the Calibre 3200 hand-wound movement and combined the beauty of a monopusher chronograph and tourbillon shaped in resemblance of the Maltese cross where Vacheron Constantin gets its symbology. The Tourbillon chronograph is limited to just 26 pieces.
Following that we have the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph Caliber 3300. This is by far considered to be the most rational, wearable and nicer option of the lot. The Caliber 3300 replaced the old Lemania based calibre 1141 movement and instead offers an entirely new monopusher chronograph. This new movement had adopted the classic architechture of the new chronograph movements presented by the Manufacture to mark its 260th anniversary, while benefiting from modern technological advances. Featuring a gold engraved cock-bridge, column wheel and beautiful finishings, it of course has the Hallmark of Geneva certification. Another nice homage to its historical significance, the timepiece 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. Cased in an 18-carat 5N pink gold case, it is limited to just 260 pieces.
Next is the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time Caliber 2460DT that is the simplest and most affordable edition of the new Harmony collection. It is by no means an ugly piece or a corner cutter for Vacheron Constantin but the only edition not to use the chronograph function. Instead Vacheron Constantin has opted to use the only the most practical functions: a second time zone and a day/night indicator. Like with the all other Harmony timepieces, the Caliber 2460DT is certified with the Hallmark of Geneva and features an oscillating weight beautifully finished with a commemorative motif.
The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time Caliber 2460DT comes in a number of references that include 2 masculine version and 1 feminine. All variants are available in 18-carat white gold or 18-carat pink gold with a smaller case measuring only 40mm used for each. Limited to just 625 pieces it is the most humble yet most alluring of the range.
Lastly, we have the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph Small Model Caliber 1142 that’s a new feminine interpretation of the double-pusher chronograph. The new model is embellished with gems that are set around the bezel and give the watch a very feminine feel and appearance. The movement however is not new but an enhanced version of an existing calibre with the same trademarks as the rest of the Hallmark of Geneva certification and the same beautiful finishing and craftsmanship as the others. A truly wonderful feminine interpretation that keeps in the spirit of Vacheron Constantin and the new Harmony collection.
Pricing will be revealed soon by Vacheron Constantin so watch this space!
For more info, please visit vacheron-constantin.com
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Osheen Arakelian – Contributing Editor
Drawing on a lifelong love of horology and a more recent introduction to appreciation of fine whisky, Osheen brought the two together with watch & whisky. He is proprietor of the site, which covers everything related to watches and whisky. In between completing a degree in commercial law and supporting a rich social life, he is out and about attending all the latest watch and whisky events Sydney has to offer. His passion has also taken him around Australia attending a number of events and he hopes to continue his career in the watch industry on a more serious level after he graduates. Read his articles here.
