Introducing: The Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Tourbillon

January 15, 2018

In keeping with a theme we've seen quite a bit of at Vacheron this SIHH, we have a new watch to announce that will be available in two executions. The watch in question is the Tourbillon Traditionelle, and it also happens to be the first-ever automatic tourbillon from Vacheron Constantin. This is not entirely surprising when y0u consider that the company already had a great 14-day hand-wound tourbillon. In the case of all of the new Traditionelle models launching this SIHH, the platinum executions are designated as part of the Excellence Platine collection and will be limited editions. Why This Watch Matters Any time a company on Vacheron's level does something for the first time, it's worth paying attention and having a closer look. Within the new Traditionelle Tourbillon is the new in-house Caliber 2160, an 18,000 vph slow-beat automatic tourbillon with an open carriage shaped like a Maltese cross. The movement is on thinner side, at 5.65mm thin, especially when you consider that it is automatic, has a complex escapement, and comes in with a power reserve of 80 hours. The platinum version of this watch features a platinum dial and is part of the "Excellence Platine" collection. Initial Thoughts This is an attractive watch in both executions, but if I were making a buying decision I would lean toward the limited version, primarily because I like the idea of a white metal complicated watch of this type, but also because I've always enjoyed what Vacheron does with platinum cases and dials. They really sing in person. And then of course, there is the appeal of owning a new model in which a new movement debuts in the Exellence Platine collection. The Basics Brand: Vacheron Constantin Model: Traditionelle TourbillonReference Number: 6000T/000P-B347 (platinum), 6000T/000R-B346 (pink gold)Diameter: 41mmThickness: 10.4mmCase Material: Platinum or pink goldDial Color: Platinum (platinum), Silvered opaline (pink gold)Indexes: 18k white gold hour markers (platinum), 18k pink gold applied markers (pink gold)Lume: NoWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Dark blue or brown alligator strap The in-house caliber 2160 is Vacheron's first ever automatic tourbillon movement. The Movement Caliber: In-House Caliber 2160Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds (on tourbillon)Diameter: 31mmThickness: 5.65mmPower Reserve: 80 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 vph)Jewels: 30 Pricing & Availability Price: $149,000 (platinum), $118,000 (pink gold)Availability: TBDLimited Edition: Platinum version is limited to 25 piecesFor more click here. A close up of the dial of the platinum version. It has a hallmark between 4 and 5 o'clock indicating that it is made from platinum. The platinum version comes on a hand-stitched blue alligator strap. The pink gold version is unlimited and comes with a silvered opaline dial. Dial side of the movement Back of the movement showing fine finishing and a 22k gold rotor