Vacheron Constantin redesigns the Malte Collection
January 25, 2012: In 1912, Vacheron Constantin was one of the first watch manufacturers to adopt tonneau or barrel-shaped cases. It soon became an emblematic shape that was associated with the most prestigious horological complications, interpreted in particular through the Malte collection, first introduced in 2000.
To celebrate this century, Vacheron Constantin has redesigned its Malte collection and enriched it with four new models. The new Malte Tourbillon, Malte small seconds and Malte Lady are complemented by an anniversary watch issued in a 100-piece limited series.
The Vacheron Constantin engineers and movement design engineers have also developed a new tonneau-shaped movement moulding the shape of the case. Calibre 2795, entirely developed and crafted in-house, beats at the heart of the Malte tourbillon model. Moreover, the Malte Tourbillon, Malte small seconds and Malte 100th Anniversary Edition are all officially approved as meeting the new criteria of the Hallmark of Geneva.
The Malte Tourbillon has a restrained dial featuring pink gold hour-markers and Roman numerals for the 6 and 12 o'clock indications. The Malte Tourbillon timepiece – the largest in the collection – has a curving 18K pink gold case measuring 38 x 48.2 mm and is fitted with a brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap complete with Maltese cross-shaped rose gold folding clasp.
The rounding off of the tourbillon bar needs over 11 hours of manual work. Rounding off consists of filing each end of the arms in order to give them a conical or semi-cylindrical shape, while respecting the limits of the centre and the heels. To finalise this operation, the craftsmen rub it down with stones, buffs, wooden pegs and finishing pastes in order to achieve a perfectly polished effect.
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