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The 15-piece boutique exclusive -- inspired by the Maison's mantra of 'Classic with a Twist' -- is built around an extremely thin split-second movement, cased in the noble metal of platinum.

From the so-called 'Cornes de Vache' to the iconic Ref. 4072, it's clear that Vacheron Constantin know a thing or two when it comes to the matter of 'gentleman's chronographs'. For this year's Watches & Wonders presentation, the brand affirmed its dedication to aesthetically refined design and sophisticated mechanisms with this new Traditionnelle chronograph: a rather rare execution that combines an all-platinum case construction with Vacheron's calibre 3500 (introduced half a decade prior in the similarly thin Harmony split-seconds).

As part of the Traditionnelle line-up -- Vacheron's exhaustive collection of heritage-inspired models, powered by complex in-house movements -- this new chronograph looks every inch at home on the wrists of those who venerate the Swiss watchmaking heritage (or alternatively, on the bonnet of an 'understated' 4-door saloon).

The watch's mouthful of a product description also makes clear that it's a part of the 'Collection Excellence Platine': incorporating a litany of platinum into nearly every external element of the watch you can think of. The case is machined from PT950 platinum (i.e. alloyed with 5 percent ruthenium) as are the crown, dial, and folding clasp. Even the brand's signature Mississippi alligator straps have been sewn using a combo of silk/platinum thread -- the final flourish in Vacheron's impressive, undoubtedly costly dedication to watchmaking's rarest metal.

All dressed up in its external layers of platinum and alligator, the calibre 3500 measures up at impressive 10.72mm -- thin, even by the standard of many contemporary time-only dress watches (though arguably, not quite 'ultra-thin'). The watch itself falls neatly into the 42mm bracket: a popular size for larg-ish, classically styled chronographs of the modern era in the mould of the Patek Ref. 5070 or 1st generation Datograph.

Though the calibre 3500 made its debut over half a decade prior -- at the time, to celebrate Vacheron's 260th anniversary -- it nevertheless remains a technically impressive take on a seminal complication. The alignment of the horizontal clutch and dual column wheels echoes Vacheron's previous forays into high-end chronograph manufacturing; and provide ample scenery against which the manufacture has been able to level jaw-dropping amounts of anglage. Further hand-finished details (e.g. the peripheral rotor in 22K gold) contribute to the calibre 3500's certification under the Geneva Seal -- awarded exclusively to those movements made and assembled in the eponymous Swiss canton that satisfy the rigours of an independently administered 12-point test.

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle split-seconds chronograph ultra-thin 'Collection Excellence Platine' is available in a limited edition of 15 pieces. Price available on request. To learn more, visit Vacheron Constantin online.

The post Vacheron Constantin Adds New Traditionnelle Chronograph to its Collection Excellence Platine appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The luxury handcrafted timepieces created by Greubel & Forsey express the art of invention and pursuit to differentiate from the rest of the industry. Using state-of-the-art technology and unique designs, the Swiss watchmaker is able to introduce new examples to its collection and grab the attention of enthusiasts. Greubel & Forsey is proud to announce […]

The post Greubel & Forsey Release The New Limited-Edition Sport GMT appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Bentley Motors and Breitling’s partnership has resulted a new and very limited Tourbillon. The partnership between Bentley Motors and Breitling has been going strong for just about two decades, resulting in many fantastic timepieces. Their latest timepiece is a truly magnificent one that’s quite exclusive. The new Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited […]

The post Discover the Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited Edition appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The highly-anticipated Ulysse Nardin Vertical Odyssey is finally here, just in time for Watches and Wonders 2021. The Swiss watch manufacturer is best known for incorporating true functionality and performance made to conquer any conditions thrown in its way. Ulysse Nardin is proud to offer a new selection of luxury timepieces that derive inspiration from […]

The post Discover The New Ulysse Nardin Vertical Odyssey Watch Collection appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The one-of-a-kind examples designed and manufactured by URWERK Watches are meant to push the boundaries of design, while the performance and functionality speak for themselves. The UR-100 Collection is one of URWERK’s most popular models, making limited-edition models like the new “Blue Planet”, some of the most coveted pieces on the market. The UR-100V Blue […]

The post URWERK Releases The Limited-Edition UR-100V “Blue Planet” Watch appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Autodromo is known for incorporating the true design and heritage aspects of motorsports into each of their uniquely designed watch collections. The timeless design of the Group B Series 2 resulted in all examples produced selling out, until now. Not only is Autodromo proud to announce the re-release of the coveted Group B Series 2, […]

The post Autodromo Unveils The Limited-Edition Group B Series 2 Night Stage III Watch appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The blend of traditional and modern styling that Ernst Benz incorporates into each of their timepieces allows for endless opportunities to collaborate with world-renowned designers like John Varvatos. The contemporary menswear designer teamed up with Ernst Benz to create a Limited-Edition ChronoScope model. The Ernst Benz x John Varvatos ChronoScope Collection is presented in a […]

The post Discover The Ernst Benz x John Varvatos 47mm ChronoScope Collection appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The blend of traditional and modern styling that Ernst Benz incorporates into each of their timepieces allows for endless opportunities to collaborate with world-renowned designers like John Varvatos. The contemporary menswear designer teamed up with Ernst Benz to create a Limited-Edition ChronoScope model. The Ernst Benz x John Varvatos ChronoScope Collection is presented in a […]

The post Discover The Ernst Benz x John Varvatos 47mm ChronoScope Collection appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The blend of traditional and modern styling that Ernst Benz incorporates into each of their timepieces allows for endless opportunities to collaborate with world-renowned designers like John Varvatos. The contemporary menswear designer teamed up with Ernst Benz to create a Limited-Edition ChronoScope model. The Ernst Benz x John Varvatos ChronoScope Collection is presented in a […]

The post Discover The Ernst Benz x John Varvatos 47mm ChronoScope Collection appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

This addition to the technically focused L.U.C collection celebrates 25 years of horological mettle, with a quadruple-barreled movement and 'jumping hour' display -- a first for Chopard.

Along with the release of its customary high jewellery novelties, Chopard is debuting its first 'jumping hour' wristwatch just in time for Watches & Wonders 2021. Dubbed the 'Quattro Spirit 25', this new release embodies the Maison at its most regal -- a visually and mechanically striking contrast to the growing line-up of Alpine Eagle sports watches.

On its face a simplistic, time-only dress watch, the Quattro Spirit 25 is in actuality a paean to the L.U.C manufacture: the specialist watchmaking studio founded by Chopard's president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in 1996, tasked with the sole purpose of making "simple and pure designs [expressing] a high degree of mechanical sophistication". As you'd expect, Chopard won't be making many of these.

Cased in 40mm of Chopard's signature fair-mined 18k rose gold, the Quattro Spirit 25 is the epitome of a discrete dress watch -- ideal for enthusiasts of modernist clothing and design. Up close however, it's clear there's more going on than meets the eye: a sensation that's handily captured in the very open, whiter-than-white dial that seems to be punctuated only by an aperture and single minutes hand. Enthusiasts familiar with models like IWC's Pallweber or the Monsieur de Chanel will recognise this as a 'jumping hours' layout: by no means unusual in the realm of high-end watchmaking, but the first time that it's ever been offered by Chopard.

Aside from the frame of the jumping hour, the whole dial is decorated using a black-on-white aesthetic well-suited to the watch's combination of transferred decals (e.g. the numbers and minute track) and Grand Feu enamel. As one of the great classical metiers in decorative art, there aren't too many individuals remaining in the watch industry who specialise in Grand Feu enamel. Among a handful of other names, Chopard is fortunate to have its own dedicated enameller, who crafts these dials using a kiln-firing process in which temperatures frequently exceed 820°C. This leaves collectors with a white dial that is unrivalled in its luster and colour fast-ness -- the right kind of face for an elegant gold dress watch.

Naturally, watches with jumping hour displays always require a big reservoir of energy, and Chopard has seen to it that the Quattro Spirit 25 gets just that in the form of a new manually wound calibre. Explaining the connection to the 'Quattro' name, this new L.U.C movement relies on a series of four coupled barrels -- giving it an impressive 190 hours of reserve power. Even though most of the gear train's architecture is covered by a series of bridges, this new movement is a feast for the eyes: highlights include the copious amounts of Côtes de Genève finishing, finely polished bevels and a 'swan neck' style regulator -- equipped for very minute adjustments with a Phillips terminal curve.

The L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 is available in a limited edition of 100 pieces, priced at HK$360,000. To learn more, visit Chopard online.

The post Chopard Jumps into the Digital Age with the L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Minimalism meets the watch world In 2015, H. Moser & Cie. took on a bold approach by removing the logo from its Concept dials, giving the design a minimalistic feel. Six years later, H. Moser & Cie. is proud to announce the release of its Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept x Seconde-Seconde, a special edition example […]

The post H. Moser & Cie. Unveils The Limited-Edition Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept x Seconde-Seconde appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.