Vacheron Constantin presents its first ever steel tourbillon in a limited series
In December 2006 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its historical Geneva boutique, Vacheron Constantin presented a tourbillon in a steel watch case for the very first time, limited to 10 timepieces part of the Malte collection, exclusively available in the Geneva Boutique. All the pieces are already pre-sold.
The Malte steel tourbillon by Vacheron Constantin, bearing the name most symbolic of the venerable Manufacture, powerfully asserts the symbiosis between contemporary design and technical horology. In addition to its attractive tonneau shape, the calibre 1790 – a movement entirely developed and manufactured in-house by Vacheron Constantin – has been treated to exceptional finishing of a kind that would be impossible to perform mechanically on the thin bars or bridges known as “barrettes”. No less than eleven hours of work are required for this work on the bars in order to comply with the finishing criteria established by the Manufacture.
Featuring a “secret mark” concealed at noon in the minute circle as a reminder of the Geneva boutique’s 1906-2006 anniversary date, the opaline black nickel dial with its two pink gold hands is finely hand-guilloché on the outer zone with subtle vertical lines contributing to an elegant and extremely refined appearance. Applied pink gold hour-markers set the finishing touch to the harmonious overall effect. The case is water-resistant to 30 metres and topped by a cambered sapphire crystal protecting the dial. The watch is teamed with a hand-sewn strap in black alligator mississipiensis leather, complete with a steel folding clasp matching the case.