An eloquent expression of Geneva’s most demanding Fine Watchmaking traditions, the
Traditionnelle collection welcomes an exclusive version of the famous Vacheron Constantinworld time model presented in 2011. Simultaneously displaying 37 of the world’s time zones, this
travel watch with a three‐part dial is adorned with a hand‐enamelled gold world map. Depicted in
subtly graded shades of blue, the seas and continents composed a miniature work resulting from
patient and meticulous craftsmanship and brimming with graphic details and depth effects. A blend
of artisanal refinement and perfect technical mastery, the new Traditionnelle world time is
distinguished by its user friendliness enhanced by the crown‐operated activation of all functions.
This Hallmark of Geneva certified model appears attired in precious platinum for a 10‐piece limited
edition.
Enamelling expertise
This remarkable edition is joining the Traditionnelle collection by Vacheron Constantin, an eloquent
expression of Geneva’s Fine Watchmaking traditions inherited from the 18th century. Crafted in opaque enamel and grisaille enamel, its dial highlights the horological expertise of the Manufacture, conveyed through traditional decorative crafts perpetuated across the centuries. The distinctive and
sophisticated world time display, composed of three superimposed discs, is enhanced by a miniature
enamelled gold world map.
surround. The strikingly realistic coastal and land reliefs take on subtle shades of blue and white,
achieved using the grisaille enamel technique. This delicate paint, composed of Limoges white – an
extremely rare and fine powder mixed with oils – is applied to the dark enamel in tiny touches and
meticulously drawn out using needles and brushes. This material is particularly difficult to work with
and calls for dexterity, experience and extreme precision in adjusting the firing times – to the nearest
second – for each layer applied. Opaque enamel calls for equally painstaking care and can tolerate no
flaws, since the light directly strikes even the slightest bump or rough patch, instead of being absorbed by the translucent nature of a traditional enamel. This technique used for the world map is picked up on the 24‐hour disc bearing gold hour‐markers and the 37 city names painted on dark blue opaque enamel. They appear in white for those representing time zones with a full‐hour time difference and in sky blue for those with half‐hour or quarter‐hour time differences, all swept over by 18‐carat gold hands and rimmed by a minute ring. After 20 hours of decorative craftsmanship and ten firings, the tableau springs to life, graced with a wealth of fine details and fascinating light effects.
Elegance and convenience
The Traditionnelle world time model frames this exceptional dial with a precious 42.5 mm‐diameter
case, water‐resistant to 30 metres and housing Caliber 2460 WT, developed and manufactured by
Vacheron Constantin. In addition to central hours, minutes and seconds hands, this mechanical selfwinding movement also drives a combination of original functions: simultaneous reading of 37 world time zones – including those offset by a half‐hour or quarter‐hour compared with Coordinated
via the crown. Its rating precision is further ensured by a stop‐seconds system. Set to winter time in
the Northern hemisphere, 225‐part Caliber 2460 WT features a 22‐carat gold oscillating weight, a
balance wheel beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) and a 40‐hour power reserve.
The limited edition – available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques – consists of ten
individually numbered watches bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva and fitted with an elegant
blue Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with large square scales and a platinum triple folding clasp.
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