Welcome to the next edition of Watches Of The Week. In this week's instalment, I'll be highlighting a handful of new watches, including pieces from Laurent Ferrier, Zenith as well as an almighty new masterpiece from Vacheron Constantin. Happy reading and have a great week ahead
Vacheron Constantin's New Traditionnelle Tourbillon
Vacheron Constantin has unveiled three limited edition Traditionnelle Tourbillon variations, showcasing its artistic prowess and finest of watchmaking endeavours. These new pieces honor the Chinese legends of the Phoenix and the Dragon, with each model featuring the two handcrafted mystical creatures depicted dancing around a pearl. The new models are available with three distinct dial colours: galvanic-treated black dial, a deep blue dial and a silver-toned dial.
All three models are encased in a hand-engraved 18k pink gold case, with each piece featuring an 18k pink gold hand-engraved applied phoenix and dragon. Vacheron Constantin has integrated its esteemed Hallmark of Geneva certified calibre 2160/1, a tourbillon powered by a peripheral rotor and visible both through the open aperture at the bottom of the dial and through the open sapphire caseback.
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Traditionnelle Tourbillon
Reference: 6040T/000Rxx
Case: 41mm
Case Material: Pink Gold
Water Resistance: 30m
Calibre: 2160/1
Price: Price On Request
Verdict: A harmony of artistry, craftsmanship and fine high horology.
Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon
The Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon is an example of the very best that the atelier can produce. It features a movement that has two independent tourbillons. The first is rated with a 50-hour power reserve, beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour, turns every minute and functions as the piece's timekeeper. The second is perhaps the more interesting of the two. It beats at 360,000 vibrations per hour, has a tourbillon that rotates every 5 seconds and powers the 1/100 of a second chronograph. In essence, you have two separate tourbillons powering two separate functions in the same watch.
This is, in a word, insane. So, how does Zenith do justice to this incredible piece of mechanical mastery? Well, it encases it in either black carbon fibre or titanium, gives the black carbon model a black rubber strap and the titanium model a matching bracelet and prices them both ridiculously well.
Brand: Zenith
Model: Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon
Reference: 12.9100.9020/78.I200/95.9100.9020/78.I001
Case: 45mm
Case Material: Black Carbon Fibre/Titanium
Water Resistance: 200m
Calibre: El Primero 9020
Price: CHF79,000 (Black Carbon Fibre)/CHF69,900 (Titanium)
Verdict: Nothing in this price segment for a like-for-like watch compares to the Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green
Laurent Ferrier has added to the “Série Atelier” collection with the new Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green. It features a beautiful magnetic green dial with a sunburst centre and a circular satin-finish on the outer areas. The white gold Assegai-shaped hands match the gorgeous white gold drop-shaped indexes, while the baton-shaped second hand, also in white gold, adds an element of thematic differentiation while still keeping the overall look the same.
The Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green is encased in a titanium case, a very befitting material for what could possibly be a very interesting daily wearer. And powering this new limited edition model is the maison's esteemed Calibre FBN229.01. This movement is powered by an off-centre micro-rotor, has a natural escapement with double direct-impulse on the balance and a silicon pallet-lever. Laurent Ferrier doing what Laurent Ferrier does best.
Brand: Laurent Ferrier
Model: Classic Micro-Rotor Magnetic Green
Reference: LCF004.T1.V8G
Case: 40mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 30m
Calibre: FBN229.01
Price: CHF49,500
Verdict: The Classic Micro-Rotor is one of my all-time favourite watches and has held its place in my top-five favourite watches firmly for a very long time. Don't see that changing any time soon.
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