Nostalgic Review: Vacheron Constantin's Malte Tourbillon
In the late 1990’s it became imperative that Vacheron Constantin develop the ability to design and manufacture movements on its own. Toward this end, in 1998 VC purchased a small company operating in the Vallee de Joux called HDG (Haute de Gamme) which ha...
I had never seen the US model before
that's quite nice, it seems easier to read then the other skeletonized model and solves my problem with the original -- I was never a great fan of the dial markers. A
Count me as a fan of watches with open dials
but where the movements are NOT skeletonized. The Quai de l'Ile and a few other models are given this look and I am consistently drawn to them. Bill
the Malte tourbillon could be considered a bit small for
today's tastes and like you I'm not a fan of the regulator dial but the tourbllon cage and bridge are one of the nicest on the market.
The promise of a tour...
of the HDG facility would be a wonderful treat for SIHH next year Alex!! ;-)
Better get in there soon...
as VC is constructing a new building elsewhere in the VdJ to handle all movement design and manufacturing operations. Bill
I wasn't aware of that model...
thanks for sharing, Alex. I prefer the original with date and power reserve, as it is a well balanced dial that seems to give the watch a face (two eyes and a mouth). Bill
I wouldn't mind seeing more salmon dials....
It seems that current fashion tilts to greys and browns. Bill
Nice post, Bill.
They're all incredible pieces. My favourite has to be the Black Nickel. Stunning...
The black nickel is great, but if I could only have one...
I think it would be the Excellence Platine "Only Watch," as I am totally falling for the EP look right now. Bill
Well, Bill, I did not really appreciate this one until now
Your review really opened my eyes to the Malte Tourbillon. You know, I just get so distracted by the sheer number of beauties VC has to offer, that I cannot focus. The closeups of the tourbillon carriage reveal how gorgeous it really is. The form movement...
Like the Mercator...
the Malte Tourbillon is great watch that might be too small for you. I hope that VC brings out a "basic" tourbillon (ie, without other complications) with a more traditional layout than the regulator. Bill
The salmon dial and the skeleton version are two sublime beasts!
I'm drooling, my friend.... That is the VC I like! Best, and thank you so much for another superb post, Bill. Nicolas.
Fantastic review, Bill!
Great watch to do a write-up on ;-) Anyway, all versions are great but I have never seen the Only Watch edition so far and I have to admit it really rocks my boat. (though I wouldn't say no to the Black Nickel nor US Palladium pieces). I knew a friend who...
Thank you, Radek....
It was a real pleasure to spend some time with the tourbillon and write this article. Bill
I'd have to say my favourite is the ONLY watch 2007
Hi there Bill, Thanks for the review of the tourbillon from past! The tourbillon bridge that will NEVER be repeated again is an unfortunate thing. I wonder though if the Atelier will be willing to receive a customised order where the ENTIRE movement is cr...
Another winning design....
it's a shame to see this chapter in VC's history coming to a close. But then we love to see what's new, don't we? Bill