Introducing: The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Excellence Platine

April 10, 2024

Among a flurry of releases for Watches & Wonders 2024, Vacheron Constantin has taken the wraps off of the latest entry into the Collection Excellence Platine. Created for this collector-focused super line within VC's catalog, this new iteration is the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Collection Excellence Platine, and it takes the brand's tourbillon-equipped chrono to new, platinum-specific heights, as this Platine example means that platinum is used for everything from the case, dial, crown, and buckle all the way to the threading used to stitch the 'gator strap that will help to keep all that precious platinum on your wrist. For the Vacheron nerds in the audience, the Platine collection needs no introduction, as it's been part of the playbook at Vacheron Constantin for quite some time. Basically, the Collection Excellence Platine offers a top-tier execution for various models within the VC range. In this case, we're talking about the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph, but we've seen several other examples since the Platine line was announced in 2006, including the Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chrono Ultra Thin of 2021, the Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date (2020), the Traditionnelle Manual Winding (2019), the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar (2017), the gorgeous Patrimony Traditionnelle (2013), and the Patrimony Contemporaine Auto from way back in 2011.? Being what is essentially a platinum-specific reconstruction of an existing model, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Collection Excellence Platine follows the existing format for the model with a 42.5mm case that is 11.7mm thick (meaning that the movement is as impressively thin as it is complicated).? Visible through the display caseback, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Collection Excellence Platine uses the VC Caliber 3200, which is manually wound and offers not only a large 60-second tourbillon, but also a monopusher chronograph with a maximum measure of 45 minutes and a power reserve indication (the max power reserve is 65 hours). With more than 290 components, the movement is produced in-house by Vacheron Constantin and carries the prestigious Geneva Seal.? The Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Collection Excellence Platine is limited to 50 pieces and Vacheron Constantin has stated the price as being available upon request.? What We Think Im sure its an impressive price tag, but that is also not exactly unexpected for a collector-driven 50-piece LE that uses as much platinum as is humanly possible... assuming, of course, that Vacheron Constantin won't weave that platinum thread into a full platinum NATO. A fella can dream.? As a collector-focused creation, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph feels like an excellent home for the Platine treatment, and, just as when the pink gold version of this watch dropped in 2020, I remain a fan of the large and bright tourbillon execution and the absolute flex that is a manually-wound monopusher chronograph from Vacheron Constantin. Stay tuned for more from Vacheron Constantin over the next few days once we've seen the new watches in person.? The Basics Brand: Vacheron ConstantinModel: Traditionnelle tourbillon chronograph Collection Excellence PlatineReference Number: 5100T/000P-H041Diameter: 42.5mmThickness: 11.7mmCase Material: 950 PlatinumDial Color: 950 Platinum, sand-blasted Water Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: blue gator strap with platinum fold-over clasp The Movement Caliber: Vacheron Constantin 3200Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds (via tourbillon), tourbillon, chronograph (monopusher, 45 mins), and power reserveDiameter: 32.8mmThickness: 6.7mmPower Reserve: 65 hoursWinding: manualFrequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)Jewels: 39Additional Details: Hallmark of Geneva certified Pricing & Availability Price: available upon requestAvailability: Exclusive to Vacheron Constantin boutiquesLimited Edition: Yes, 50 pieces Shop this story The HODINKEE Shop features a selection of pre-owned and vintage watches by Vacheron Constantin; explore our collection here. Learn more about Vacheron Constantin online.