Only Watch Auction

Monaco, Sep 20, 2007

LOT 33

Vacheron Constantin, ?Malte Tourbillon Platinum? Pièce Unique.

EUR 0 - 0

Sold: EUR 130,000

The Malte Tourbillon Platinum ?Only Watch 2007?: An absolute rarity Throughout the history of Vacheron Constantin production, the Manufacture had never yet presented a tourbillon with a platinum carriage bridge. The extremely complex crafting of this carriage bridge endowed with such a superlative level of finishing represents an extraordinary feat in itself, particularly given the malleability of the metal. In addition to the platinum carriage bridge, the case and dial ? both discreetly bearing the Pt 950 hallmark ? are also in solid platinum. The dial is meticulously grained using a high-tech procedure to achieve a frosted effect that highlights the texture and the luminosity of the precious metal. Finally, the navy blue alligator leather strap hand-sewn with platinum thread, together with its solid platinum pin buckle, subtly echo the colour of the case and dial to create an exquisitely harmonious aesthetic impression. The combination of these various aspects gives this one-of-a-kind creation a status of absolute rarity, clearly stemming from the Vacheron Constantin expertise acquired throughout an exceptional heritage built up during over 250 years of uninterrupted experience and expertise. TECHNICAL DETAILS REFERENCE Malte Tonneau Tourbillon Platinum 30066/001P-9293 « Pièce unique » CALIBRE Reference: 1790H340R31PT. Tourbillon, hand-wound mechanical movement Carriage bridge: 950 Platinum Diameter: 26.90 mm, 28.50 mm Thickness: 6.10 mm Number of jewels: 27 Frequency: 18,000 vibrations / hour Power reserve: Over 40 hours Indications: Hour, minutes, seconds, Power-reserve indicator, Pointer-type date calendar CASE Material: 950 Platinum, bearing the inscription Pt 950 Diameter: and thickness 36.00 mm, 48.20 mm, 11.80 mm Back: Fitted with a transparent, sapphire crystal, secured with screws Finish: Entirely polished case, satin finish between lugs, Satin-finished back Glass: Sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on one side convex Water-resistant: Pressure of 3 Atm, equivalent to a depth of 30 m (~100 feet) DIAL AND HANDS Dial material:950 Platinum Finish: Frosted effect, bearing the inscription Pt 950 Nine applied hour markers in 18K white gold Hands: Hours & minutes: 18K white gold fan-shaped matte/polished finish Seconds: white Pfinodal baton-shaped 31 days: black oxidised, fan-shaped Power reserve: 18K white gold, baton-shaped Bracelet and buckle: Hand-stitched with platinum wire, saddle finish Dark blue alligator mississipiensis leather, square scales. Standard buckle in 950 Platinum,Half Maltese cross, polished, 18 mm


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Case: 1

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Throughout its long history, Vacheron Constantin, the world?s oldest watch manufacture in continuous activity since 1755, has never strayed from its three fundamentals: technical and aesthetic excellence, combined with the stringent demands of perfect hand-crafted finishing. These three principles not only represent the pillars of the watchmaking art as practiced by Vacheron Constantin for over 250 years, but also the unshakable bedrock on which it grounds a genuine capacity for surprise and innovation. Platinum: Rare, pure and eternal? like childhood, P? like Paul A beautiful symbol for the ?Only Watch 2007? auction In 2006, when Vacheron Constantin symbolised its transition to the next quarter of a millennium by unveiling its Collection Excellence Platine which has met with impressive success, the Geneva-based Manufacture was thereby paying a vibrant tribute to the most demanding, most precious and most exclusive of metals ? a material it has been shaping since 1820. Today, especially for the ?Only Watch 2007? auction on behalf of the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy, the designers, engineers and master-watchmakers of Vacheron Constantin have chosen platinum: Platinum to create a unique and exceptional model, a Malte Tourbillon tonneau-shaped watch featuring a case, dial, strap stitching, buckle AND a carriage bridge in 950 Platinum. Platinum because it also plays a major role in the medical field because it does not react to the oxidising effect of blood. It is also an excellent conductor, while remaining compatible with living tissues.