Vacheron Constantin - Metiers d’Art Tribute to Great Explorers 2008

Four years after inaugurating its first Explorer series,Vacheron Constantin presents two new models, this time paying tribute to Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus.

In 2004, when Vacheron Constantin inaugurated the limited series of watches created in honour of the great explorers, the Geneva-based brand was displaying a fierce determination to ensure the continuity of one of its most fundamental values: the workmanship traditions involved in fine watchmaking “metiers d’art” – or artistic crafts.

Clearly dedicated to excellence, Vacheron Constantin once again unveils two genuine works of art from both mechanical and aesthetic standpoints, thanks to a patented movement driving an astonishing reading of time and a dial sublimated by the extremely complex and time-honoured art of “grand feu” enamelling.

Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus

After the two first models in the collection dedicated to the Chinese admiral Zheng Hé, the intrepid Ming dynasty explorer and his Indian Ocean discoveries; and to Magellan with his discovery of the strait bearing his name, Vacheron Constantin pays a glowing tribute to two of the most famous world travellers: Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus.

These two exceptional timepieces, entirely hand-crafted with patience and passion, meticulous care and a desire for perfection, are in harmony with the spirit of the Geneva “Cabinotiers” cherished by the brand founders. The demanding nature of the work entailed justifies the limited edition of 60 for each model.

Transposing the voyage of the world’s greatest explorers onto a watch dial was the astounding technical and aesthetic challenge taken up by the Geneva-based watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin. The “grand feu” polychrome enamelled dial consists of two parts, with one partially overlapping the other. The upper part depicts a portion of the globe by reproducing an historical map relating to the feats of the great explorer. The twelve hour numerals move across a 132° minute scale on the lower part of the dial of this mysterious watch embodying the finest horological traditions and featuring a truly stunning complication.

Limited Series of 60 Pieces for each Explorer

The case is done in 18kt yellow gold and measures 40mm X 12.2mm. The dial is 22kt gold, two-part base - Polychrome “Grand feu” enamelled decoration. Entirely handcrafted in the traditional manner. The crystal is sapphire.

Movement is the automatic Vacheron in-house caliber 1126AT, with 36 jewels, beating at 28,800 bph and with a power reserve of 40 hours. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters.