SIHH 2015: Vacheron Constantin Harmony Collection

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On its 260th Anniversary, Vacheron Constantin decided to launch a new collection called Harmony. This collection consists of seven models, and each of them are limited in production. The collection is a throwback to the history of Vacheron Constantin, in which it is inspired by the complications and designs of the yesteryear. 

The seven first references in the Harmony collection, presented this year in a limited anniversary edition, are dedicated to chronograph and dual-time functions through four new calibers entirely designed and developed in-house, along with an evolved version of an existing chronograph movement. Each of the references tells a story about Vacheron Constantin’s fabled history, and concurrently bringing it back to life at the same time.

 

Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph is the centerpiece attraction of the Harmony collection. It is currently the world’s thinnest self-winding split-second chronograph, at a mere 5.20mm thick.

This timepiece features several iconic Vacheron Constantin touches, which ranges from its iconic design cues, to the intricate finishing of the movement. It is powered by their in-house Caliber 3500, which took nearly 7 years to develop . It features modern mechanisms, including the “friction” technique on the lateral coupling clutch to reduce the jerking of the chronograph needle when it is activated.

A caseback shot of the Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph. The finishing in this timepiece is superb.

A caseback shot of the Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph. The finishing in this timepiece is superb.

The Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph features several complications, such as the power reserve indicator, tachometer scale, and the monopusher chronograph. The 42mm watch is cased in 950 Platinum, and only 10 individually numbered pieces are available. Is it going to be an instant classic? We would love to think so.

 

Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph.

Next up, we have the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph. As the name suggests, it is a Tourbillon which features a monopusher chronograph and a power reserve indicator.

The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 3200, a hand-wound movement which features a power reserve of 65 hours. There are several noteworthy points of this timepiece. First, instead of having a 30-minute counter, Vacheron Constantin chose to include a 45-minute counter on this piece itself. Next, it also features the same “friction” technique found on the Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph. It also employs two hammers, instead of the a single hammer traditionally, for the start/ stop/ reset function which will improve the precision and operational capability of the timepiece. Finally, the tourbillon carriage is set into motion by an intermediate wheel of the running seconds display. This configuration enables an extremely broad opening onto the upper plate, thus affording a greater view of the tourbillon.

The design of the Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph is based on the 1928 model, with modern reinterpretations. The 42mm timepiece is cased only in 950 Platinum, and only 26 individually numbered pieces are available.

 

Harmony Chronograph

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph.

Following the Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph, we have a much simpler timepiece- the Harmony Chronograph. Unlike the previous two models, this one features only a monopusher chronograph, power reserve indicator, and a pulsimeter scale.

According to Vacheron Constantin, the Harmony Chronograph is “a contemporary incarnation of a 1928 Vacheron Constantin Chronograph”. It features a pulsimeter scale, painted in red, that is featured in several of their vintage watches. The same goes for the dial layout, as well as the cushion cases.

A caseback shot of the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph.

A caseback shot of the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph.

Additionally, the balance-cock features hand-engravings with an original décor forming delicate scrolling patterns. This original motif, also known as “fleurisanne engraving”, is inspired by the arabesques that adorned the world’s oldest pocket watch belonging to the Maison and signed by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755.

Similarly, the Caliber 3300 that powers the Harmony Chronograph features a 65 hour power reserve, as well as the “friction” technique that is found in the other chronograph pieces above. Also, like the Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph, the Harmony Chronograph also features a 45-minute counter.

The 42mm timepieces is cased in 18K pink gold, and it is limited to 260 individually numbered pieces.

 

Harmony Chronograph Small Model

The Vacheron Chronograph Harmony Chronograph Small Model.

The Vacheron Chronograph Harmony Chronograph Small Model.

Then, we have the Harmony Chronograph Small Model. Unlike the other models, this one features a double-pusher chronograph. On top of that, this one is a model made specially for the lady collector- this can be seen from the 1.20 carats worth of diamonds encrusted on the bezel of the timepiece.

A view of the Harmony Chronograph Small Model from the back.

A view of the Harmony Chronograph Small Model from the back.

The Harmony Chronograph Small Model is powered by the Caliber 1142, a hand-wound movement which features a power reserve of 48 hours. Unlike the other models, the Harmony Chronograph Small Model is based on a pre-existing movement, albeit there are some upgrading works done on this caliber. This movement features a higher frequency, as well as better finishing to meet the standards of the Hallmark of Geneva. It also features the “fleurisanne engraving” on the balance-cock, as well as the blue-painted arabic numerals (which is a feature for all pieces in the Harmony collection).

The watch is significantly smaller at 37mm, and it is only cased in pink gold. Similar to the Harmony Chronograph, the Harmony Chronograph Small Model is also limited to 260 individually numbered pieces.

 

Harmony Dual Time

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time, in pink gold.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time, in pink gold.

Finally, we have the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time. The Harmony Dual Time, unlike the other variants, does not feature the chronograph complication. Instead, it features a second time-zone indicator, as well as a day and night indicator.

A different perspective of the Harmony Dual Time.

A different perspective of the Harmony Dual Time.

The Harmony Dual Time is powered by a newly developed Caliber 2460DT, in which the self-winding movement features a power reserve of 40 hours. The movement features a very user friendly adjustment mechanism, in which all settings may be done by the crown in both directions, without any risk of damaging the mechanism. This caliber comprises a hacking mechanism to ensure a more accurate time display.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time in white gold.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time in white gold.

Similarly, the Harmony Dual Time features the “fleurisanne engraving”, and an oscillating weight featuring the commemorative motif forming the delicate scrolling patterns.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time in white gold with diamonds.

The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time in white gold with diamonds.

The Harmony Dual Time comes in three different references: two for men and one for women. It comes in either pink gold, white gold, or white gold with diamonds. The Harmony Dual Time is limited to 625 pieces.

 

Specifications from Press Release:

Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph
Reference: 5400S/000P-B057
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Only available in Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
Caliber: 3500
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding with peripheral rotor
33.4 mm (14’’’ ¾) diameter
5.2 mm thick
Approximately 51 hours of power reserve
3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
459 components
47 jewels
Gold peripheral rotor hand-engraved with a dedicated 260th anniversary pattern
Indications: Hours
Minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Monopusher chronograph (with 60-minute counter at 3 o’clock)
Tachometer scale
Power reserve
Case: Platinum 950
42mm x 52 mm, 8.4 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Dial: Silvered opaline
Blue painted Arabic numerals and red painted tachometer scale
Strap: Blue Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square
scales
Clasp: Platinum 950 triple blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Presentation box: Dedicated 260th anniversary presentation box
Accessories Delivered with a magnifying glass, a dedicated brochure on the Harmony product
line and a 260th anniversary celebration letter signed by Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres,
CEO of Vacheron Constantin

Harmony Tourbillon chronograph
Reference: 5100S/000P-B056
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Only available in Vacheron Constantin Boutiques
Calibre: 3200
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, manual-winding
32.8 mm (14’’’ ½) diameter
6.7 mm thick
Approximately 65 hours of power reserve
2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour)
292 components
39 jewels
Bridge hand-engraved with a dedicated 260th anniversary pattern
Indications: Hours, minutes
Small seconds on tourbillon carriage (bluished screw)
Tourbillon
Monopusher chronograph (45-minute counter at 3 o’clock)
Power reserve
Case: Platinum 950
42 mm x 52 mm, 12.81 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial: Silvered opaline
Blue painted Arabic numerals and red painted minute-track
Strap: Blue Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square
scales
Clasp: Platinum 950 triple blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Presentation box: Dedicated 260th anniversary presentation box
Accessories Delivered with a magnifying glass, a dedicated brochure on the Harmony product
line and a 260th anniversary celebration letter signed by Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres,
CEO of Vacheron Constantin

Harmony Chronograph
Reference: 5300S/000R-B055
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Caliber: 3300
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, manual-winding
32.8 mm (14’’’ ½) diameter
6.7 mm thick
Approximately 65 hours of power reserve
3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
252 components
35 jewels
Balance cock hand-engraved with a dedicated 260th anniversary pattern
Indications: Hours, minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Monopusher chronograph (45-minute counter at 3 o’clock)
Pulsimeter scale
Power reserve
Case: 18K 5N pink gold
42 mm x 52 mm, 12.81 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial: Silvered opaline
Blue painted Arabic numerals and red painted pulsimeter scale
Strap: Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched,
saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp: 18K 5N pink gold triple blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Presentation box: Dedicated 260th anniversary presentation box
Accessories Delivered with a magnifying glass, a dedicated brochure on the Harmony product
line and a 260th anniversary celebration letter signed by Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres,
CEO of Vacheron Constantin

Harmony Chronograph Small Model
Reference: 5005S/000R-B053
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Caliber: 1142
Mechanical, manual-winding
27.5 mm (12’’’) diameter
5.57 mm thick
Approximately 48 hours of power reserve
3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
164 components
21 jewels
Balance cock hand-engraved with a dedicated 260th anniversary pattern
Indications: Hours, minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Chronograph (30-minute counter at 3 o’clock)
Case: 18K 5N pink gold
Diamond-set bezel (84 round-cut diamonds, total weight of approx. 1.2 carats)
37 mm x 46.6 mm, 11.74 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial: Silvered opaline
Blue painted Arabic numerals
Strap: Warm grey Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square
scales
Clasp: 18K 5N pink gold triple blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Presentation box: Dedicated 260th anniversary presentation box
Accessories Delivered with a magnifying glass, a dedicated brochure on the Harmony product
line and a 260th anniversary celebration letter signed by Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres,
CEO of Vacheron Constantin

Harmony Dual Time
References: 7810S/000G-B050
7810S/000R-B051
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Caliber: 2460DT
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
28 mm (11’’’ ¼) diameter
5.4 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
233 components
27 jewels
Gold rotor decorated with a dedicated 260th anniversary pattern
Indications: Hours, minutes
Center seconds
2nd time zone
Day/night indication
Case 18K white gold / 18K 5N pink gold
40 mm x 49.3 mm, 11.43 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 meters)
Dial: Silvered opaline
Blue painted Arabic numerals
Gold sun and moon
Strap: Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square
scales
Clasp: 18K white gold / 18K 5N pink gold triple blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Presentation box: Dedicated 260th anniversary presentation box
Accessories Delivered with a magnifying glass, a dedicated brochure on the Harmony product
line and a 260th anniversary celebration letter signed by Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres,
CEO of Vacheron Constantin

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