Watch of the Month: Vacheron Constantin Malte Tonneau Tourbillon in Platinum

This month we’re taking a look at something very special from Vacheron. Vacheron Constantin is part of the “holy horological trinity” (Patek, AP, and Vacheron) and it is easy to see why. The brand has a history dating back to 1755 and has produced some of the most desirable timepieces around. This includes the reference 57260 – the most complicated watch in the world. But today, we’re looking at something slightly more restrained. This is the Vacheron Constantin Malte Tonneau Tourbillon. It’s an all-platinum, tonneau shaped watch that pridefully encompasses all things Vacheron in a contemporary and wearable piece. Let’s take some time to learn more about it.

Design

The Vacheron Constantin Malte Tonneau Tourbillon is in a 36mm case, and though it may seem complex, the watch  displays only the time, date, and power reserve level. This restrained display gives considerable emphasis to the tourbillon, which is prominently in the center of attention. Though the dimensions appear small, the watch has considerable wrist presence with its flared lugs and elegant tonneau shape.

Dial

The dial is beautifully minimal and art deco in style. The dial has a circular center encased by a textured pattern along the outer edges which combine perfectly with the beveled sword hands. The beauty of the dial remains in constant full view thanks to the lack of sweeping seconds because the seconds counter is incorporated into the tourbillon window.  The other indicators are a power reserve indicator at 10 o’clock, and a dedicated date sub-dial at 2 o’clock. These two functional features add a touch of practicality and usefulness to this exotic tourbillon.

Movement

A big part of the appeal of the most Tourbillon complications is that one does not have to take off the watch in order to see the workings of the movement. The large opening for the Tourbillon cage gives us a nice view of the balance wheel, pallet fork, and many of the gears around it every time one wants to know the time. This in itself is a wonderful spectacle that many watch lovers would be content with, but as if that was not enough, the feast for the eyes continues upon removing the watch and turning it over. The manual wind in-house Vacheron Constantin caliber 1790 has 27 jewels and approximately 45 hours of power reserve. This caliber is made exclusively for the tonneau shaped watches because Vacheron and brand purists know that a round movement in a non-round case is a horological faux-pas. The movement beats at 5 ticks per second, which is good for reliability and durability while still offering good precision.

Strap

The Vacheron Constantin Malte Tonneau Tourbillon comes on an elegant black alligator strap with a matching platinum tang buckle, which incorporates the iconic Maltese Cross symbol, which was inspired from the Geneva stop, a component historically used in movements  to prevent overwinding.

So, If you’re looking for a practical exotic, a heirloom piece that will last generations, consider this Vacheron Constantin Malte Tonneau Tourbillon from Gray & Sons. The watch is in excellent condition, has a 1 year warranty, and is Gray & Sons Certified Pre-Owned. Visit us at grayandsons.com to learn more and make it yours today.