www.worldwatchweb.com - The refined and understated case of the latest model from Vacheron Constantin houses an unparalleled 14-day tourbillon movement. The new Patrimony Traditionnelle model is also the brand’s first to meet the new criteria for the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva hallmark).

The new Calibre 2260 developed by the design engineers and watchmakers at Vacheron Constantin exhibits a sobriety that matches the case design. But it nevertheless pushes the envelope, with the manual-winding calibre being endowed with an exceptional 14-day power reserve. This achieved by the use of four winding barrels mounted in coupled pairs, which means that they all unwind simultaneously, but at a rate that is four times slower than that of a single barrel.

The architecture of this new Calibre 2260 comprises 231 components and two large bridges (instead of the three appearing on the previous Vacheron Constantin tourbillons). The tourbillon carriage is inspired by the brand’s signature Maltese Cross and provides a splendid showcase for the exceptional level of finishing of each movement part, including a number of interior angles, all naturally hand-bevelled. The rounding off of the tourbillon bar alone takes over 11 hours of manual craftsmanship to achieve an optimal effect.

The Calibre 2260 drives slightly off-centred hour and minute functions, as well as a 14-day power-reserve display appearing on a 280° segment for improved readability. The 12 o’clock positioning of the latter indicator on a silver-toned opaline dial, as well as the external minute circle, are inspired by several pocket-watches stemming from the rich heritage of Vacheron Constantin.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon is the first Vacheron Constantin timepiece to be officially approved according to the new Hallmark of Geneva criteria, which concern the watch as a whole rather than just its movement, as was previously the case. The new conditions were announced to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the Hallmark of Geneva and will see regular spot checks at all manufacturers bearing the Hallmark, as well as a rigorous seven-day precision test (designed to simulate wear).