Vacheron Constantin’s approach to watchmaking is neither arbitrary or boring, with release after release really hammering home the notion that they truly are the unsung heroes of modern watchmaking. Their latest expansion of that fact is the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine, an ode to the appeal of simplistic timekeeping.
With an aesthetic that is supremely difficult to fault, Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle collection is virtually without fault, and thus it seems only logical that they would work to expand on that collection with a platinum version of one of the manufacturer’s most coveted model. Featuring a 38mm wide, 7.77mm thick 950 platinum case, the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine is virtuous and discreet. A classical dress watch if there ever was one, the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine’s only give away that it is a touch more special than the conventional Traditionnelle is the little “Pt950”, inscribed on the dial between 4 and 5 o’clock, announcing to the world that it’s cold-metal exterior is of the most precious of qualities.
These platinum qualities extend to the dial, with the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine being treated to extensive sandblasting, creating a lovely grainy textural effect that contrast beautifully with the smooth shine of that highly polished platinum case. The applied hours markers and hands are all made of 18k white-gold, as is the illustrious Maltese cross at 12 o’clock, and the blued seconds hand sitting in the sub-dial register at 6 o’clock adds that lovely touch of colour differentiation.
Powering the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine is Vacheron Constantin’s Calibre 4400 AS. As its name implies, this is a manually-wound in-house manufactured mechanism with a power reserve of about 65-hours, a beating frequency of a silky-smooth 4Hz, and a simplistic look that defies its true complexities derived from each of its 127-components. The Calibre 4400 AS is a wonderful looking movement that has been finished in the most meticulous of manners, as well as featuring the highly respected Hallmark of Geneva certification.
The Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine comes on a dark blue Mississippinsis alligator leather strap, featuring an alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitching with 950 platinum and silk, saddle-finished large square scales on its exterior, as well as a 950 platinum polished Maltese cross buckle.
Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Collection Excellence Platine is available in a limited-run of 75 individually numbered pieces and will cost $53,700AUD.
Ratings:
Movement: 4/5
Aesthetics: 5/5
Wearability: 3/5
Price: $53,700AUD