Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/06/15/vacheron-constantin-traditionnelle-split-seconds-chronograph-ultra-thin-restrained-glamour-and-understated-excellence-2/
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The power of platinum
My favorite case metal is platinum. I like its heft and its understatement, but most of all its slightly mysterious hue.
Platinum lacks the harshness of stainless steel and won’t change color over time as white gold tends to do. Platinum just is.
Vacheron Constantin shares a love for this precious metal with me as evidenced in 2006 when the brand launched the first watch in its Excellence Platine collection, which is nothing short of an ode to this unique metal. Watches in this collection feature case, crown, bezel, dial, and folding clasp made of the noble material. Even the thread used to stitch the alligator leather strap is a combination of platinum and silk.
Vacheron Constantin doesn’t advertise the precious nature of these watches with wild engravings or anything of the sort, but a simple platinum mark (“PT 950”) discretely stamped on the dial. That is all connoisseurs need to know.
The platinum of the Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine sets the stage but is not the star. The movement is too good, too stunning, and benefits from being a whole lot less modest. Fortunately, the movement is also more of a private pleasure for the owner to admire when he or she takes off the watch.
On the wrist, the platinum cannot help but being the star as its restrained glamour is wholly in tune with Vacheron Constantin’s understated excellence. Like that ultra-thin movement, understated excellence is one of the most challenging things to achieve in watchmaking.
Vacheron Constantin makes it look easy with this watch, though. That is also why I consider this a perfect creation even though – or perhaps because – it does not completely align with my personal preferences.
For more information, please visit www.vacheron-constantin.com/en/watches/traditionnelle/traditionnelle-split-seconds-chronograph-ultra-thin-collection-excellence-platine.
Quick Facts Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin
Case: 42.5 x 10.72 mm, platinum
Movement: automatic Caliber 3500 with 22-karat gold peripheral rotor and split-seconds chronograph with dual column wheels, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency, 48-hour power reserve, Geneva Seal
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve indicator, monopusher split-seconds chronograph
Limitation: 15 pieces
Price (2021): €315,000
*This article was first published on May 17, 2021 at Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin: Restrained Glamour And Understated Excellence.
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Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/06/15/vacheron-constantin-traditionnelle-split-seconds-chronograph-ultra-thin-restrained-glamour-and-understated-excellence-2/