A Gothic masterpiece: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon 14-day power reserve skeleton

     Vacheron ConstantinThe Patrimony Traditionnelle skeleton 14-day power reserve tourbillon embodies the encounter between tradition and modernity. By combining the tourbillon complication, which also dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, with skeletonisation craftsmanship, Vacheron Constantin transcends traditional watchmaking to launch this extraordinary creation with immense modern appeal. The dual three-dimensional effect of this watch stems from the 2260 SQ movement construction and Gothic inspiration, with the exquisitely deconstructed lines of each component enhancing the depth effect to breathtaking effect.


     Although the first tourbillon appeared in 1801, only a few watchmaking houses have the capability to independently research and manufacture this complication. Watchmakers capable of applying openworking art on top of this are few and far between, and even fewer can simultaneously endow it with a power reserve of up to 14 days. Vacheron Constantin is one of them.
     Combining a tourbillon with such an astonishing power reserve requires a unique construction. The movement of the Patrimony Traditionnelle skeleton 14-day power reserve tourbillon is equipped with four barrels, arranged in two pairs, which are more “densely” packed than in the lower section. The Vacheron Constantin 2260 SQ movement features a layered structure that eliminates spatial differences to create a sense of depth, a effect further enhanced by engraving patterns specifically designed to improve the three-dimensional appearance.


Pursuing a modern style of “ pattern layering ”
     Engravers often carve openworked movements along the straight or curved lines of the bridges and mainplate. This is an extremely delicate and meticulous task, which must ensure that even after removing certain materials, each component continues to function perfectly while creating a transparent effect; this exposes even the most minute imperfections, and therefore, not the slightest flaw can be tolerated.


     Vacheron Constantin is constantly seeking new challenges; the 2260 SQ movement breaks with convention, charting a new path and setting a new milestone in the art of openworking. To ensure the openworking craftsmanship echoes the distinctive movement construction, Vacheron Constantin embarked on a stylistic exploration themed around “ pattern layering ”. Specific mechanical elements form Gothic ribbed vaults, intersecting straight lines and deconstructed curves, completely subverting traditional aesthetic balance. The interplay of light and structure is unconventional, highlighting the three-dimensional construction of the movement; it further enhances the sense of depth and height, while the contrast between matte and polished finishes gives this watch a unique radiance.

Meticulous workmanship
     Although openworking itself is a purely aesthetic craft, every step is more complex compared to solid movements. To achieve a delicate balance between the art of openworking and practical functionality, the design and modelling stages alone require an average of two months, with manual decoration, bevelling, and engraving requiring considerable additional time. All these operations require nimble hands and great patience. Since producing its first openworked balance bridge nearly 260 years ago at the brand's inception, Vacheron Constantin has excelled in the art of openworking, and the 2260 SQ movement fully follows this long-standing tradition of hand-craftsmanship. The unique layered structure creates more space for surface decoration, allowing for greater scope for manual artistry. Compared to a solid movement, the bevelling and manual decoration time for each 2260 SQ movement has increased by 10 hours, and engraving time by 40 hours.


An exceptional timepiece certified by the Hallmark of Geneva
     Vacheron Constantin's pursuit of excellence and perfect detail extends far beyond the movement. The 2260 SQ movement, with its fascinating mechanical structure, is perfectly housed within a precious platinum case with clean, sharp lines. The Patrimony Traditionnelle skeleton 14-day power reserve tourbillon dispenses with a central dial, instead featuring an elegant slate-grey flange around the inner rim, complemented by white gold hour markers. The tourbillon carriage at the 6 o'clock position is inspired by the Maltese cross, while the small seconds hand is positioned on the tourbillon carriage.
     From the mechanical movement to the exterior, every component of this new Vacheron Constantin timepiece is perfect. This extraordinary watch is certified by the highest standard of fine watchmaking, the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, which attests to its quality, craftsmanship, and reliability.


The art and technique of openworking
     Vacheron Constantin timepieces are more than just mechanical masterpieces with time-display functions; they are perfect works of art that embody the unique beauty of craftsmanship accumulated over 250 years of history. As early as the brand's founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin's artisans were already skillfully applying artistic techniques to enhance the beauty of their timepieces. Hand-engraving is one such craft. This challenging technique requires immense patience and superb skill from the master craftsman, and it has been used since the brand's inception to create exceptionally lightweight watches. The first Vacheron Constantin watch, manufactured by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755, was already equipped with a skeletonised balance cock. Since then, Vacheron Constantin has continued its pursuit of transparency while manufacturing increasingly sophisticated mechanical components. By 1924, Vacheron Constantin had produced its first fully skeletonised movement and installed it in a pocket watch. Since the nineteen-sixties, Vacheron Constantin has been a leader in this highly complex field, demonstrating infinite creativity by gradually applying skeletonisation to movements of varying complexity, while also cleverly combining it with other artistic crafts to showcase miniature miracles of watchmaking on a variety of pocket and wristwatches.
     Watchmakers capable of applying skeletonisation to complicated movements such as minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and tourbillons are vanishingly rare, but Vacheron Constantin was not content to stop there. Instead, it reshaped its aesthetic philosophy and adapted its techniques accordingly, once again expanding its artistic boundaries. It pioneered an engraving technique that creates a sculptural effect of intersecting lines with straight forms, turning the watch components into architectural masterpieces and producing dazzling plays of light and shadow.

Technical Specifications
Patrimony Traditionnelle Skeleton 14-Day Power Reserve Tourbillon
Ref. 89010/000P-9935 Hallmarked with the Geneva Seal　　　
Movement  2260 SQ
Developed and manufactured in-house by Vacheron Constantin
Manual-winding mechanical movement
Diameter 29.10 mm (12 ’’’ ¾)
Thickness 6.80 mm
Power reserve of approximately 336 hours (14 days)
Frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour)
231 components
31 jewels
Displays   hours, minutes, small seconds on the tourbillon carriage at the 6 o'clock position, and power reserve
Tourbillon
Case  950 platinum
Diameter 42.00 mm, thickness 12.22 mm
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres)
Dial   slate-grey outer zone, 18K white gold applied hour markers, white hands
Strap   hand-stitched black rectangular-scale Mississippiensis alligator leather
Clasp  950 platinum triple-blade folding clasp
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped design
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