Vacheron Constantin Unveils Harmony to Celebrate its 260th Anniversary

By Gordon Henderson

In honor of 260 years of continuous production (the longest of any manufacturer), Vacheron Constantin has unveiled a new line of timepieces under the banner name, Harmony. The line will feature a cushion shaped case and a design that is inspired by a yellow gold chronograph produced in 1928. However, the modern realization takes advantage of its case construction, curves and lines to help reflect light — revealing multiple facets of the watch.  Additionally, Vacheron Constantin has developed all new calibers for these watches – attesting to its dedication to perfection and excellence, which has fueled the brand for 260 years.

The initial launch consists of both small and medium complications, as well as a  Grande complication. We will be going hands on with the line in a few weeks, but for now, continue reading as we offer a quick overview of the line.

Harmony Dual Time

Available in both pink and white gold, the dual time displays the second time zone at the four/five o’clock position and a day/night indicator at the seven.  Using the caliber 2460DT, the self-winding watch is comprised of 233 parts and features a decorated oscillating weight. This line will be limited to 625 pieces. Additionally, the Harmony Dual Time also comes in a smaller, diamond studded version that features the same movement as the larger model.  Exactly 500 pieces of the smaller diamond version will be available.

 

Harmony Chronograph

The 252-part hand-wound caliber 3300 drives the modern day interpretation of the 1928 chronograph that inspired the line. The monopusher chronograph sports a pulsometric scale and comes in an 18-karat 5N pink gold case. The dual register dial features a 45-minute timer at three o’clock and a 60-second timer at nine o’clock.  Similar to the Dual Time, the Chronograph will feature a smaller diamond studded version. However unlike the Dual Time, the smaller chronograph houses a different movement than its larger counterpart. The small model is powered by the caliber 1142. The Harmony Chronograph Small features a dual register chronograph with a similar dial layout to its larger-sized sibling. Both sizes will be limited to 260 pieces each.

 

Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph

The Tourbillon Chronograph is a monopusher chronograph powered by the hand-wound caliber 3200 and is housed in a platinum case. The dial layout displays a single register chronograph where the timer can be found at the three o’clock position. The Tourbillon escapement at the 12 o’clock offers stunning appeal. The chronograph timer is a 45-minute timer, which, added to the monopusher function, makes for a rare-breed combination. The Tourbillon sports a robust 65 hours of power reserve. Only 26 of these will be created.

 

Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph

Out of the entire collection, the Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph will receive the most attention due to both the technical complexity of the piece, as well as the effort Vacheron Constantin has put into creating one of the thinnest self-winding split seconds chronograph movements on the market. Measuring 5.20 mm thick, the self-winding Caliber 3500 makes good on the claim. Cased, the watch measures a total thickness of 8.4 mm.

 

The superlative ultra-thin piece offers a 60-minute chronograph, a split-second function for the chronograph, and a power reserve indicator. Some watch buffs may have an issue with the use of the word ‘grande’ given the functions the watch offers, however the combination of ultra thin caliber and the monopusher split-seconds chronograph is a vast achievement. It should be noted that, in typical Vacheron Constantin style, this venerable brand has meticulously hand finished each of the 459 pieces that comprise the watch.