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EBONY ISSUE - n° 15 - 2018 - € 10 www.theoney d.com
The Art of Sailing Sanlorenzo SX8
QUART ERLY - P.I. 21/07 /2018 Intern ationa l € 10, Poste Italiane S.p.a. Chf 10,50 , UK £ 7,50 Spedizione in Abbon amento Postale
- 70% - LO/MI
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[ The WATCH ]
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is regarded as the oldest watchmaking manufacturer in the world, specialising in classic designs with mechanical complications by Paolo De Vecchi
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N
ot surprisingly Vacheron Constantin has a special
mounted in a rotating cage, often visible, given its importance
preference for so-called “complications, as it is the
and beauty – in the dial. The house then scaled the heights
world’s oldest watch manufacturer and has never
of excellence with watches including a series of breathtaking
interrupted its operations or changed its name. For those in
complications, many linked to astronomical time or the
the business, “complications” are all those mechanisms that
calendar, and all regulated by the tourbillion, ensuring smooth
can measure time intervals created by dividing or multiplying
functioning of the unit of measure, the second. Vacheron
hours and minutes, from a simple date indicator to a perpetual
Constantin also produces less complex models, like the
calendar and simple or split seconds chronograph. The
FiftySix collection launched early this year at the Geneva
company was founded in Geneva, where it is still based, in
Watch Fair. These watches have a vintage appeal and feature a
1755, and its catalogue still includes all these specialities,
steel or rose gold case with the moderate diameter of 40 mm,
as well as the tourbillon, which, while not really a true
plus an in-house automatic movement with different, simple
complication, is and important, complex functional element
specialisations like date and complete calendar. www.vacheron-constantin.com
regulating the action of the balance wheel. To do so it is
Above. Traditionelle Tourbillon (left) and Traditionelle Complete Calendar (right), both with rose gold case and automatic movement developed and produced in-house by Vacheron Constantin. Left, the platinum case Traditionelle Tourbillon version in a limited edition of 25 with movement seen from both sides with openworked carriage and peripheral winding rotor
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[ The WATCH ] One of a kind Vacheron Constantin’s most well-known and widely appreciated characteristics are its skill in realising mechanical complications and its refined designs, based on a combination of traditional artisanal techniques. These elements, one technical and one aesthetic, are strikingly combined in the Les Cabinotiers Ornementale, a unique model that is a masterpiece of time measurement. Its imposing white gold case decorated with Victorian motifs is complemented by sixteen grandes complications with markers on two dials, one at the front and one at the back. Their functions include a perpetual calendar, equation of time, dawn and sunset times, age and phases of the moon and sidereal hours and minutes. The manually-wound 18,000 vph movement with a 58-hour power reserve, tourbillon and minute repeater comprises 839 components and 42 rubies.
Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Ornementale features a double dial with time and astronomical markers, as well as a large white gold case 47 mm in diameter chased with Victorian decorative motifs
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A NEW CULT DESTINATION
With the opening of the Boutique Vacheron Constantin in collaboration with Pisa Orologeria, Milan has a new destination for lovers of high-end watches
W
ith the opening in June of the Boutique Vacheron
can present the collections and communicate our passion for fine
Constantin, Milan’s Via Verri has confirmed its status
horology to our knowledgeable clients. The boutique was designed
as “The horology street”, not only for the city but for visitors
by architect Filippo Gabbiani, and he has created a warm, refined
from Italy and farther afield. The Geneva-based brand’s display
setting where clients can experience all the passion of Vacheron
windows are complemented by the imposing atrium providing
Constantin’s world”.
access to Patek Philippe and the arcade opening onto the Pisa
He is echoed by Chiara Pisa, CEO of Pisa Orologeria, who said,
Orologeria multistore, an illustrious name selling a huge range
“We’re are honoured to host this important brand in our spaces, a
of timepieces, active in Milan since 1940 – initially as a service
home for the horology culture and tradition”.
workshop and then as a dealer for famous Swiss brands. Its close relationship with some famous watchmakers, supported by mutual esteem and trust, has encouraged them to open the single-brand boutiques on via Verri (and Via Montenapoleone if you include Rolex). “The Maltese Cross brand seeks to use this prestigious Milan address to create a special bond with its clients and horology fans”, says Marco Pagani, Brand Manager for Vacheron Constantin Italy, “Offering them a unique service. We’re pleased to celebrate this moment with Pisa Orologeria, an exceptional partner that has always showcased our brand with dedicated spaces, where they
From top, clockwise. An interior in Pisa Orologeria and the Boutique Vacheron Constantin that the brand has opened on Via Verri, Milan, in collaboration with Pisa Orologeria. The rose gold model with complete calendar from Vacheron Constantin’s new FiftySix collection
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