Vacheron Constantin releases the latest Traditionnelle Grey Slate Dial in a pink gold case. One of the most popular and sought after models in the collection, the new dial combination is a refreshing update to the white dial models that we often encounter.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Grey Slate Dial
The Case and Dial
The new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Grey Slate Dial.
Apart from the color of the dial, the watch is essentially the same as the previous model. It is cased in 18K 5N pink gold and measures 38.00 mm in diameter, and 7.77 mm in thickness. The slim case and conservative proportions make Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle one of the most desirable time only watches in the market today. Frequently compared with the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 or Saxonia and Patek Philippe’s Calatrava, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle is a respectable piece in any collection.
It is cased in 18K 5N pink gold and measures 38.00 mm in diameter, and 7.77 mm in thickness.
The case is as its name suggests, traditionally built, with the basic 3-piece, bezel, centre and case back. The screwed down caseback has a transparent window that shows off the 4400 AS movement. Slim and simple, the case is well-made without pompous finishing.
The watch uses a set of two faceted dauphine hands, which appear black on one side and glowing on the other at any angle.
The metal dial is painted grey with white railroad markers at its periphery. Applied indices are used for the hour markers; high polished stick markers. The watch uses a set of two faceted dauphine hands, which appear black on one side and glowing on the other at any angle. Completing the dial is a seconds at six, a miniaturized dial that has a slight depression on the seconds ring. The grey on pink gold is not unusual, but not common for the brand, which normally pairs slate grey dials with platinum.
The side profile of the watch which shows the slim 7.77 mm case and a signed crown bearing the Maltese cross.
The Movement
The movement used is the 4400 AS, the base hand-winding caliber used in Vacheron Constantin watches. It measures 2.80 mm in thickness and has a diameter of 28.60 mm. The 127 parts movement has a 65 hour power reserve and beats at 4 Hz.
The see-through caseback reveals the 4400 AS movement.
The finishing of the movement is exemplary, a gold standard for fine Swiss watches. From interior angles, to hand finished Côtes de Genève, Vacheron Constantin has spared no expense in creating an impressive movement. As a mark of superior quality in technicality and finishing standards, the movement bears the Hallmark of Geneva. And by superior, one good measure is the quality of finishing even on parts that are hidden from the wearer, for instance the lower base plates, bridges, or underside of the dial. Lower grade movements apart from inferior finishing on visible parts, also cut corners with unseen movement parts.
The movement finishing is among the best, with difficult to make interior angles, polished bevelled edges and hand finished Côtes de Genève.
Concluding Thoughts
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle is one of the best, if not the best time-only, seconds-at-six timepiece available today. Never mind the subjective color preference of dial or gold, but in terms of movement, overall design of the watch and brand history, the watch wins in many categories. The movement is well-known for its serviceability and reliability, which means that it can be serviced by most watchmakers trained in high end watch servicing. Relative to more exclusive movements, or newer movements which require special tools or watchmakers from the brand, Vacheron Constantin’s movement serviceability gives the watch a higher chance of surviving being hand down from generation to generation.
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle on the left in white dial and 18 K white gold, with the new grey slate dial in 18 K pink gold on the right.
The watch is priced at S$ 29,800, competitively priced for a pedigree timepiece that is versatile for everyday use. And if anyone values longevity, the design and build of the watch will last a very long time, and will make an excellent heirloom.
Specifications
Price: S$ 29,800 incl GST
Reference: 82172/000R-B402
Shape: Round
Diameter (mm): 38.00
Thickness (mm): 7.77
Material of the case: 18K 5N pink gold
Material of the crown: 18K 5N pink gold
Material of the dial: metal
Back: Transparent caseback, sapphire glass
Water-resistance (bar): 3
Watch strap material: alligator Mississippiensis
Watch strap color: black
Type of buckle: Ardillon buckle
Buckle material: 18K 5N pink gold
Energy: Manual-winding
Thickness (mm): 2.80
Diameter (mm): 28.60 (12”’ ½)
Number of parts: 127
Number of jewels: 21
Frequency: 4 Hz ( 28800 v.p.h )
Power-reserve (hours): 65 approx.
Indication: hours, minutes, small seconds
Certification: Hallmark of Geneva
6 Comments
Does a cup and saucer come along with the purchase of the watch (as pictured) 😉
haha…I am sure if you buy at retail price from the VC Boutique, something can be arranged.
Excellent review. I have owned mine since 2011 and still in live with it. Cannot wait to see this new dial version. Thanks for giving the Tradirionelle the respect it deserves with your wonderful review.
Thanks Kunal. Always a pleasure to have you commenting.
No wonder the Swiss watch industry struggles :S