Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle - Japan Edition - Limited to 75 pieces

A most refined tribute to a long-standing friendship between Vacheron Constantin, Geneva and Japan - this is the limited edition, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Japan 100 years timepiece. 

Released in 2018 to celebrate the first centenary of connection between the oldest, elegantly distinct watch manufacturer and a country bestowed with ancient, elegantly distinct culture and heritage, the homage could not be more fitting. Just 75 pieces of the creation were produced and were sold exclusively in Japan.

This affinity between company and country can be intuitively understood through a fundamental principle that is significant for both - harmony. Japanese society was constructed upon and operates around this balancing force, which can be seen and felt through all of life's glinting facets - from Japanese architecture and art to human interaction, its delicate presence is universal. For Vacheron Constantin, harmony is a "treasured value". From the human perspective to the artistry of its creations, there is an understanding that to reach the pinnacle of perfection all elements must flow and interact with consistent ease and fluidity. The harmonious union of the individual expert skills of Vacheron Constantin's designers, engineers, master watchmakers and artisans collectively give rise to its understated yet timelessly stunning mechanical works of art. 

An unspoken understanding of what it takes to create overarching harmony leads to a subtle yet definitive bond, a bond which is exquisitely marked through this rare, discreet yet undeniably suave timepiece.

The watch

A profound sophistication that is hard to beat. 18k white gold fashions the 38mm case of this limited edition Traditionnelle, Vacheron Constantin's model that honours its 18th century Genevan Haute Horlogerie traditions. 

Sitting at a very sleek 7.77 mm in height, the case sports a minimalist, smooth elegance which is gently enhanced by a touch of texture. A slight step sits between the bezel and the top of the caseband and leads into the more distinct step of the case, which also runs across the straight, softly angled lugs that seamlessly and inconspicuously emerge from the case. Just below the step of the caseband, the superbly delicate fluting that encircles the entire perimeter of the caseback is visible. The fluting is recalled around the edge of the crown, on which Vacheron Constantin's Maltese cross has been placed. An applied white gold Maltese cross also sits, just below the 12 and just above the signature, on the dial. 

The slender bezel serves to elevate the dial to its deserved prominence, with the bezel's untouched white gold perfectly complementing the slate grey tone that has been given to the dial. The visible outer ring of white gold on the dial serves as an extra layer of framing and allows for the inscription Japan 100 years Limited Edition to be read just above the 12. From this point on, the monochrome dial communicates almost entirely through a combination of striking geometric shapes and simply phenomenal texture - to describe this dial as cool doesn't even come close to cutting it.

The black railway minute-track is marked by applied, white gold Geneva baton hour markers, the minutes and hours are indicated by fiercely elegant bi-faceted dauphine-shaped hands. The seconds subdial at 6 mirrors the main dial almost in its entirety, the notable difference being the smooth finish of the centre of the subdial compared to the dazzling hand-guilloché sunburst finish of the centre of the main dial. A finish which was inspired by Japan's "Rising sun". The interaction between this elaborately textured part of the dial, its geometric forms and light is incredible.

On the outer ring of the caseback the watch's Geneva hallmark can be found as well as the engraving 75-piece limited edition, a further reminder of the status of the timepiece.

Movement

The in-house, manually-wound caliber 4400/1 powers this Traditionnelle model and can be viewed through the watch's sapphire glass caseback. It contains 127 components, 21 jewels and has a frequency of 28,800 vph. The movement provides the watch with a power reserve of 65 hours. 

In the true style of Vacheron Constantin, the movement has been finished to the highest of standards. The bridges have been finished with Côtes de Genève and mirrored anglage, while the perlage finish of the mainplate glimmers through in certain places of the movement. A number of screws and the cap of the regulator have been black polished, one of the most exquisite finishes, and leads the colours of the movement, case and dial of this watch to sit in complete harmony. An aspect which just adds to the overall feel of total accomplishment of the piece.

How it wears

The neat design of the case and its minimal height mean this watch will sit more than comfortably under any style of shirt cuff. The form of the Traditionnelle makes for a classically beautiful dress watch, with this limited-edition piece having been given a highly stylish avant-garde edge.

The set & condition

A rare and sensational take on the Traditionnelle model, this watch is in mint condition and comes with its full set.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium

No stock kept on site

* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *