Vacheron Constantin doesn’t produce many watches, with annual manufacturing numbers at someplace between a half and a 3rd of its closest two opponents. That mentioned, I can’t declare to have an thought of what number of items of the Abroad Tourbillon in chrome steel the model will produce, nevertheless it’s secure to say a majority of watch collectors gained’t even get the chance to see one, not to mention debate the deserves of its six-figure price ticket. I’m personally an enormous fan of the Abroad assortment, as an entire, because it was refreshed again in 2016.
The Vacheron Constantin model of metal sport watch isn’t a hypebeast like some others on the market, however the Abroad Tourbillon in metal is, merely put, a GMO Peacock. After all, it’s one whose tail feathers open in that traditionally, let’s say, difficult Maltese cross. Nothing private towards any readers who experience onerous for the Knights Hospitaller.
Clearly, Vacheron isn’t treading solely new territory right here, as Audemars Piguet has carried out a number of variations of the Royal Oak Tourbillon with the latest metal iteration coming simply final 12 months. Even so, there’s a thoughtfulness and on-brand execution demonstrated by Vacheron, and it’s not simply within the tourbillon design (Vacheron claims the hand-beveled bar on the tourbillon takes 12 hours to complete, alone), but in addition the quick-release mechanism that enables for a straight-from-the-manufacture metal VC tourbillon on a rubber strap.
What’s placing in regards to the Abroad Tourbillon (past the apparent) is how meticulously layered in building the Maltese Cross-shaped tourbillon sits, housed in a case that measures simply 10.39mm-thick. The slimness of the case, the blue dial, and the selection of metal all culminate in what appears like a splash of cool water on one’s face when contemplating the tourbillon. As soon as novel, the tourbillon has develop into one thing of a pre-recession dinosaur that one would place in Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities.” The Abroad Tourbillon befuddled me at first, however now I’m merely ensorcelled by it.
The Calibre 2160 motion was launched a 12 months in the past, in 2018, debuting as a costume watch within the type of the Traditionelle Tourbillon 6000T. A minor apart: The truth that the metal Abroad Tourbillon retails for inside ballpark worth of the crimson gold or platinum Traditionelle Tourbillon 6000T demonstrates that Vacheron isn’t involved a lot with successful over or convincing consumers of its worth. Quite, the model appears to primarily need to attraction to the present VC collector. I doubt essentially the most correct guesses of Abroad Tourbillon manufacturing numbers will do something to weaken this level.
Past the tourbillon, turning the watch over reveals one thing else you don’t see in lots of different six-figure plus watches. The 22ok gold peripheral rotor is uncommon, however removed from completely authentic. Nonetheless, it’s acquired character and is admirable, not simply in execution however deliberateness of function, as properly, in order to by no means block the view of the tourbillon, whereas remaining cell.
Calibre 2160 boasts the brand-standard Hallmark of Geneva Seal and is made up of 188 elements, measuring 31mm-wide and 5.65mm-thick. Self-winding, the 2160 operates at 18,000 vph, which supplies approach to its 80-hour energy reserve.
At 42.5mm-wide, the Abroad Tourbillon case is sized about the identical because the Abroad Chronograph. This makes it bigger than the 41mm three-hand mannequin, nevertheless it’s not the most important Abroad on the market. I consider that distinction goes to the 43.5mm-wide Abroad World Time. If you happen to’re within the practicality of this watch by way of water resistance, it’s rated at 50M — which Vacheron Constantin would classify as only a few meters above “appropriate for actions on the floor of the water.”
The Abroad assortment is available in all kinds of dial colours, together with silver, black, chocolate brown, and the blue that carried over to this Tourbillon. The translucent blue-lacquered sunburst-satin-finished dial is marked by 18ok white gold fingers and hour markers, all carried out in white lume. The Vacheron Constantin Abroad Tourbillon comes with the uniquely designed metal half-Maltese Cross Abroad bracelet, a blue Mississippiensis alligator leather-based strap, and, my private favourite of the bunch, a superlative-free blue rubber strap. Not restricted within the “restricted version” sense, the Vacheron Constantin Abroad Tourbillon in metal is priced at $103,000. You’ll be able to study extra at vacheron-constantin.com.
