Passion

Part of Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art Collection, Kalla is where precious matter and even more precious time come together. These truly exceptional timepieces wed the finest of the watchmaker’s to the best of the jeweller’s art. Flawless diamonds, mechanical movements and precious metals form the breathtaking, aptly named compositions of the Kalla collection. Invariably exclusive and occasionally one-of-a-kind, they turn every single instant into a world of pure pleasure.

Since Vacheron Constantin created its first high jewellery wristwatches at the end of 19th century and more recently in 1979 with its legendary Kallista*, a true masterpiece and the unequivocal benchmark in the marriage between Haute Horlogerie and High Jewellery, the world’s oldest manufacture has acquired the reputation of virtuosity in this field and continued to present worthy heirs like the Kalla Duchesse in 2006 and now the Kalla Lune.

Infused with the creative spirit so preciously nurtured at Vacheron Constantin and embodying the talent of watch and jewellery craftsmen who are masters of a traditional savoir-faire passed down over 250 years, the Kalla Lune, with its instantly recognizable design and setting, is dedicated to the creation of a different style, one that is distinguished, dazzling and architectural.

Reflecting desires that are beyond fashion, this model is resolutely contemporary. Its strength lies in the interplay between seduction and emotion, elegance and style. Its round shape, subtle and intense and suitable for both men and women, embodies the perfect union and is an expression of the abiding link between the Métiers d’Art watchwakers and gem-setters at Vacheron Constantin.

Thus, all Vacheron Constantin’s craftsmen - from goldsmiths to jewel-setters, from watchmakers to engravers – are motivated to raise their art to a supreme level of refinement. Inspired by the confidence of demanding customers, they create exceptional and precious watches in the grandest tradition of Haute Horlogerie and High Jewellery, like the Kalla Lune.

Kalla Lune Large Model: a total of 816 baguette-cut diamonds, 23 brilliant-cut diamonds and 1 rose-cut diamond for the crown, for an approximate total weight of 42.61 carats.  A simple but fixed rule was decreed when setting this watch: each set of diamonds had to conform to the most stringent criteria regarding purity, colour and cut, to guarantee perfect harmonization.

There are 134 diamonds weighing 9.33 carats or 7.86 carats depending on the size. Each stone is hand-cut and hand-set to marry perfectly with the case.

In sparkling harmony with the patient work carried out on the case is the sumptuous diamond-paved dial. The large model is paved with 170 baguette-cut diamonds (2.82 carats) and the small model with a white, pink and blue mosaic of 141 brilliants (0.36 carat). In both models, the crown is set with a rose-cut diamond.

To bring this high jewellery masterpiece to life, Vacheron Constantin has fitted it with a manufactory-made movement, the calibre 1410, featuring power reserve and moon phase indicators. It is 100% hand-finished and hand-decorated, and is stamped with the prestigious Geneva Hallmark.

Set with 512 (30.33 carats) or 472 (24.12 carats) baguette-cut diamonds depending on the size, the Kalla Lune’s 18K white gold bracelet marries perfectly the wrist. Thanks to this technical feat, the bracelet seems to flow around the wrist. The model also comes on a black alligator leather strap adorned with a white gold folding clasp with a Maltese cross set with 8 baguette diamonds (0.38 carat). 

Quest’orologio con movimento meccanico a carica manuale è dotato di dispositivo tourbillon, con calibro 2755, 40 rubini, 18.000 alternanze ogni 60 minuti, per 58 ore di autonomia di marcia. Si tratta di uno dei grandi capolavori del settore, insignito del Punzone di Ginevra.

Del resto non ci si poteva aspettare altro da una maison così rinomata. Il quadrante argentato opalescente è ospitato in una cassa plasmata in oro, con oblò in vetro zaffiro. Il prezzo dello straordinario modello, con ripetizione minuti e calendario perpetuo, è di 450 mila euro.

Una cifra commisurata alle sue grandi complicazioni, che lo elevano ad emblema di una orologeria in cui l’arte si sposa con la tecnica e l’artigianato.

A shaped movement in a shaped case. Such apparent logic is not necessarily the rule in the world of haute horlogerie. In choosing the Malte line to present the new Tourbillon Regulator, Vacheron Constantin is using shape to express its horological savoir-faire.

The tonneau shape, an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s history for almost 100 years

The Malte Tourbillon Regulator is presented in a new, larger, perfectly balanced tonneau case. With its tighter lines and more assertive style, it is a spectacular reinterpretation of the Malte line. The characteristic horns, now more compact, provide the ultimate in comfort. Furthermore, the integration of the strap and case is optimised by the new satin-finished lug-covers. Water-resistant to 30 metres, the case is enhanced with a domed sapphire crystal that prolongs the lines of the bezel.

Introduced with the first wristwatches at the start of the 20th century, the tonneau shape enjoyed its golden age up until the 1940’s. The tonneau case has always been an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s history. The brand began using this new shape for its most prestigious complicated watches in 1912 and included it in its collections throughout the 20th century.

The tonneau shape, part of Vacheron Constantin’s genetic make-up and a particularly demanding form in terms of balance and harmony, is also characteristic of the Malte line.

The 1790R calibre: a perfect example of the Manufacture’s savoir-faire

To celebrate this new tonneau case, Vacheron Constantin’s master watchmakers have designed a mechanical movement that fits perfectly into this geometric shape; this expression of art for art’s sake in horological terms is also one of the hallmarks of authentic haute horlogerie timepieces. So, at the heart of this exceptional watch beats the 1790R calibre, designed, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin.

Embellished with meticulously-worked decorations and finishing, this manual-winding mechanical movement houses two subtle complications that are among the most prized by genuine watch lovers.

The tourbillon, which compensates for the negative effects of gravity, remains one of the most emblematic complications of the art of watchmaking and is the distillation of all the savoir-faire possessed by the Manufacture’s master watchmakers.

The regulator display – originally produced at the end of the 19th century to regulate the flow of railway traffic - will remind connoisseurs that, in the past, the best timers constantly kept an eye on the regulator clock, which had pride of place in every workshop. The hours, minutes and seconds were displayed separately on it so that each could be seen more clearly, thereby facilitating an exact adjustment of the piece being worked on.

The 18K gold dial is the visible counterpoint of the complex and meticulously-made device it houses. The regulator display, a demonstration of this exceptional timepiece’s technical nature, offers a vertical reading of the time - in hours, minutes and seconds - on the tourbillon cage. The five different kinds of finishing – snailing, guillochage, opaline, vertical satining, circular satining – ensure that each indication is extremely easy to read.

Exceptional level of finishing: eleven hours just to hand-finish the tourbillon bar

Some of the exceptional finishing operations on the 1790R movement can only be done by hand, particularly in the case of the bar.

This work is known as berçage or rounding-off. Always a technical challenge, it consists in filing the tips of the arms with perfect regularity in order to give them a conical and semi-cylindrical shape, while carefully marking off the centre and heels. To complete the operation and obtain a perfectly polished rounding-off, the craftsmen polish it with stones, buffs, wooden pegs and finishing pastes. No fewer than eleven hours are needed to meet the stringent finishing criteria required by Vacheron Constantin.

The Côtes de Genève decoration, the meticulous hand-chamfering of the edges of the bridges and the engraving of its individual manufacturing number confirm the 1790R’s exceptional character. Besides its tourbillon, this manual-winding movement features a 40-hour power reserve indicator.

Two versions available: in 950 platinum or 18K pink gold

The Malte Tourbillon Regulator is available in 950 platinum or 18K pink gold and comes on a dark-blue (for the platinum version) or brown (for the pink gold version) hand-stitched, saddle-finish alligator strap, with a matching precious metal folding clasp and polished half Maltese cross.

Technical data

Reference numbers: 30080/000P-9357 and 30080/000R-9257
Movement: 1790 R, manual-winding mechanical, tonneau shaped tourbillon regulator movement, designed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Height of movement: 6.10 mm
Width of movement: 26.90 mm
Length of movement: 28.50 mm
Jewelling: 27 rubies:
Frequency: 18’000 vibrations/hour
Indications: Hours and minutes on regulator display, small second on tourbillon cage
Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours
Case: Platinum 950 or 18K 5N pink gold, : 39.90 mm x 49.90 mm, transparent sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 3 Atm equivalent to a depth of 30 metres
Dial: 18K gold: Five different kinds of finishing for optimal reading: snailed, guilloched, opaline, vertical satin-finishing and circular satin-finishing
Strap: Dark-blue or brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled alligator leather
Clasp: Platinum 950 or 5N 18K pink gold folding clasp, half Maltese cross
 

Only by bringing several traditional watch crafts together could such a work of art be created. Using transparency and shimmering light to transform a complicated watch movement into an aerial ballet of pierced bridges and gear-trains is an art that Vacheron Constantin has mastered to perfection, an art requiring complementary expertise: that of the master watchmaker to create the complication, that of the master engraver to reveal the soul of the movement.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle Skeleton Perpetual Calendar watch, whose 1120QPSQ calibre is stamped with the prestigious Geneva hallmark, is distinguished by the Art Nouveau motif of its beautifully finished engraving. Vacheron Constantin’s master engravers were inspired here by the natural motifs and elegant shapes of the Eiffel Tower. Another distinguishing feature of the movement is the complexity of its decoration and the sophistication of its execution, making it a major new benchmark in the world of skeleton watches.

The dial was designed to provide an excellent view of the skeleton movement and perfect legibility of the perpetual calendar indications. To achieve this, Vacheron Constantin opted for a transparent sapphire dial enhanced by a silvered ring integrating the hour markers and minute-track. The Perpetual Calendar indications, transferred on the dial, consequently gained in both size and legibility. Transparency was also used with the moon phase indicator, whose two discs can be made out through the frosted glass.

* Reference numbers : 43172/000P-9236 and 43172/000R-9241
* Calibre    : 1120 QPSQ, self-winding mechanical
* Stamped with the Geneva hallmark
* Thickness of movement : 4.05 mm
* Diameter of movement : 28 mm / 12 1/2 lignes
* Jewelling : 36 rubies
* Frequency : 19,800 vibrations/hour
* Power reserve : Approximately 40 hours
* Indications : Hours, minutes
* Perpetual calendar
* Moon phase
* Case : Platinum 950 or 5N 18K pink gold 39 mm in diameter
* Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on one side, domed
* Open-worked case, screwed
* Water-resistance : 3 ATM / 30 metres
* Bracelet : Dark-blue or Brown, hand-stitched alligator mississipiensis
* Clasp : Platinum 950 or 5N 18K pink gold classic buckle
* Half Maltese Cross

A shaped movement in a shaped case. Such apparent logic is not necessarily the rule in the world of haute horlogerie. In choosing the Malte line to present the new Tourbillon Regulator, Vacheron Constantin is using shape to express its horological savoir-faire.

The tonneau shape, an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s history for almost 100 years

The Malte Tourbillon Regulator is presented in a new, larger, perfectly balanced tonneau case. With its tighter lines and more assertive style, it is a spectacular reinterpretation of the Malte line. The characteristic horns, now more compact, provide the ultimate in comfort. Furthermore, the integration of the strap and case is optimised by the new satin-finished lug-covers. Water-resistant to 30 metres, the case is enhanced with a domed sapphire crystal that prolongs the lines of the bezel.

Introduced with the first wristwatches at the start of the 20th century, the tonneau shape enjoyed its golden age up until the 1940’s. The tonneau case has always been an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s history. The brand began using this new shape for its most prestigious complicated watches in 1912 and included it in its collections throughout the 20th century.

The tonneau shape, part of Vacheron Constantin’s genetic make-up and a particularly demanding form in terms of balance and harmony, is also characteristic of the Malte line.

The 1790R calibre: a perfect example of the Manufacture’s savoir-faire

To celebrate this new tonneau case, Vacheron Constantin’s master watchmakers have designed a mechanical movement that fits perfectly into this geometric shape; this expression of art for art’s sake in horological terms is also one of the hallmarks of authentic haute horlogerie timepieces. So, at the heart of this exceptional watch beats the 1790R calibre, designed, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin.

Embellished with meticulously-worked decorations and finishing, this manual-winding mechanical movement houses two subtle complications that are among the most prized by genuine watch lovers.

The tourbillon, which compensates for the negative effects of gravity, remains one of the most emblematic complications of the art of watchmaking and is the distillation of all the savoir-faire possessed by the Manufacture’s master watchmakers.

The regulator display – originally produced at the end of the 19th century to regulate the flow of railway traffic - will remind connoisseurs that, in the past, the best timers constantly kept an eye on the regulator clock, which had pride of place in every workshop. The hours, minutes and seconds were displayed separately on it so that each could be seen more clearly, thereby facilitating an exact adjustment of the piece being worked on.

The 18K gold dial is the visible counterpoint of the complex and meticulously-made device it houses. The regulator display, a demonstration of this exceptional timepiece’s technical nature, offers a vertical reading of the time - in hours, minutes and seconds - on the tourbillon cage. The five different kinds of finishing – snailing, guillochage, opaline, vertical satining, circular satining – ensure that each indication is extremely easy to read.

Exceptional level of finishing: eleven hours just to hand-finish the tourbillon bar

Some of the exceptional finishing operations on the 1790R movement can only be done by hand, particularly in the case of the bar.

This work is known as berçage or rounding-off. Always a technical challenge, it consists in filing the tips of the arms with perfect regularity in order to give them a conical and semi-cylindrical shape, while carefully marking off the centre and heels. To complete the operation and obtain a perfectly polished rounding-off, the craftsmen polish it with stones, buffs, wooden pegs and finishing pastes. No fewer than eleven hours are needed to meet the stringent finishing criteria required by Vacheron Constantin.

The Côtes de Genève decoration, the meticulous hand-chamfering of the edges of the bridges and the engraving of its individual manufacturing number confirm the 1790R’s exceptional character. Besides its tourbillon, this manual-winding movement features a 40-hour power reserve indicator.

Two versions available: in 950 platinum or 18K pink gold

The Malte Tourbillon Regulator is available in 950 platinum or 18K pink gold and comes on a dark-blue (for the platinum version) or brown (for the pink gold version) hand-stitched, saddle-finish alligator strap, with a matching precious metal folding clasp and polished half Maltese cross.

Technical data

Reference numbers: 30080/000P-9357 and 30080/000R-9257
Movement: 1790 R, manual-winding mechanical, tonneau shaped tourbillon regulator movement, designed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Height of movement: 6.10 mm
Width of movement: 26.90 mm
Length of movement: 28.50 mm
Jewelling: 27 rubies:
Frequency: 18’000 vibrations/hour
Indications: Hours and minutes on regulator display, small second on tourbillon cage
Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours
Case: Platinum 950 or 18K 5N pink gold, : 39.90 mm x 49.90 mm, transparent sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 3 Atm equivalent to a depth of 30 metres
Dial: 18K gold: Five different kinds of finishing for optimal reading: snailed, guilloched, opaline, vertical satin-finishing and circular satin-finishing
Strap: Dark-blue or brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled alligator leather
Clasp: Platinum 950 or 5N 18K pink gold folding clasp, half Maltese cross