SIHH 2012 – Vacheron Constantin Reveals New Malte Collection

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first tonneau-shaped timepiece (1912), Vacheron Constantin redesigned the distinctive shape of its Malte Collection watches with the exceptional artistry. Revealed at the 2012 SIHH watch show, four VC’s novelties recall classic beauty in a new modern way. The renowned Swiss watchmaker presents a Malte 100th Anniversary Limited Edition, a Malte Tourbillon watch, a Malte Small Seconds watch and a Malte Lady model. 

We have already introduced the stunning Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionalle 14-Days Tourbillon timepiece that is also prepared to be revealed at the SIHH 2012 watch show in Geneva. Today, you have a chance to find out the latest information about four exceptional models from the brand’s Malte Collection. (Three of them are approved in accordance with the new Hallmark of Geneva criteria.)

Back in 1912, Vacheron Constantin started the real revolution in the watchmaking industry, by adopting tonneau shape for its watches, instead of conventional rounded shape. Today, exactly 100 years later, the Swiss watchmaker commemorates the big date in the brand’s history with a modern redesign of classic models.

The new case is a bit sharper and more angular than a classic one, but this is not the only novelty presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. In order to match the new shape of a case, VC developed a new hand-winding Tourbillon movement, an in-house Calibre 2795. Vibrating at the frequency of 18,000 beats per hour, this mechanism provides two days of power-reserve. The tourbillon carriage is inspired by the brand’s signature Maltese cross and it nicely reveals the beautiful finishes of each movement components.

The Malte Tourbillon is a luxury timepiece with the exceptional elegance, with a masculine 38 x 48.2 mm case, crafted in 18K pink gold that matches the material of hour markers and Roman numerals for 6 and 12 o’clock indications. Timeless elegance is rounded with a brown Mississippiensis alligator strap, with a Maltese cross-shaped rose gold folding clasp.

Vacheron Constantin Male Tourbillon Watch

Vacheron Constantin Malte 100^th Anniversary Edition watch possesses even more of classical elegance than the tourbillon model. This manual-winding masterpiece is made of platinum, in the limited series of 100 pieces. Its aesthetic appearance brings us back in the past, while its perfectly shaped body with discreet lugs testifies about the exceptional craftsmanship of the Geneva based manufacturer.

Vacheron Constantin Malte 100th Anniversary Edition Watch

Inside the 36.7 x 47.6 mm case there is a Vacheron Constantin hand-wound Calibre 4400 movement, entirely developed and crafted within the Manufacture. This mechanism, made of just 106 components, oscillates at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and it provides a great power-reserve of 65 hours. The watch is available with a blue Mississippiensis alligator strap, secured with a Malte cross-shaped buckle in 950 platinum.

Crafted in polished 18K pink gold, in the same dimension as the anniversary model, a new Malte Small Seconds watch also demonstrates the art of simplicity. Its hour indices and the Roman numerals that indicate 12 and 6 o’clock are executed in pink gold, with the redesigned look that smoothly follows the curves of the tonneau-shaped case. The watch is powered with a 4400 AS hand-winding movement which is a modified version of a Calibre 4400 with a small seconds function.  The new Malte small seconds model is available with a brown alligator strap that incorporates a Malte cross-shaped pink gold buckle.

Vacheron Constantin Malte Small Seconds Watch

Finally, I will introduce a sparkling Malte Lady quartz watch, with a petit 28.3 x 38.7 mm pink gold case that emphasizes women’s beauty and timeless elegance. It is the only model in the collection that does not have the new Hallmark of Geneva criteria. However, the main quality of this timepiece lies in its amazing design. By combining a sparkling diamond with the classic beauty of a dial, VC has found a perfect harmony between luxury and elegance.

Vacheron Constantin Malte Lady Watch

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