Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton wins the “Calendar and Innovation” prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020
The Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton was awarded the “Calendar and Inovation” prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2020. This timepiece is the perfect illustration of Vacheron Constantin’s technical and aesthetic know-how: it stands out for its contemporary design as well as for the complexity and sophistication of its ultra-thin openworked movement which also houses a perpetual calendar.
“Above all this award recognizes the talent of all our colleagues, our partners and our suppliers. This award belongs to all of them. I also would like to recognize all the other Maisons who are constantly challenging us and pushing us to elevate our game. Thank you for preserving the Swiss know how and our community! In this particular context I salute their resilience and their passion. These values are essential for all of us to be innovative and to remains relevant”, said Louis Ferla, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, during the GPHG evening.
Available in an 18K 5N all-gold version, the Overseas Skeleton Perpetual Calendar watch combines the refinement of precious metal with the technicality of its ultra-thin openworked complication movement, Calibre 1120 QPSQ, in a 41.5 mm-diameter case. Skeletonisation, which consists of finely openworking a mechanical movement by hollowing out its components yet without compromising their reliability, is an extremely complex undertaking: a quest for transparency coupled with highly sophisticated skills mastered by very few watchmaking artisans. Today, Vacheron Constantin is one of the rare Manufactures capable of openworking calibres as complex as perpetual calendars and ultra-thin movements. All components of the 1120 QPSQ calibre have been hollowed out, finished and decorated, so as to exalt the functional beauty of the mechanism.
Greatly appreciated by collectors for its technical qualities and its performance (no adjustment will be required before March 1st 2100, neither for the day, date and month indications, nor for the moon phases), this entirely openworked ultra-thin NAC-treated anthracite grey mechanism is visible through a transparent sapphire dial bearing applied 18K 5N pink gold hour-markers. The transparent caseback also stages a fascinating watchmaking show starring the gear trains and the NAC-treated oscillating weight with its segment in 22K gold, which is also openworked for the first time in the Overseas collection so as to highlight its stylised design shaped like a Maltese cross.
A selection of photos from the GPGH evening will be available on the Vacheron Constantin Press Lounge on November 18th.
TECHNICAL DATA
Overseas perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton
Reference 4300V/120R-B547
Calibre 1120 QPSQ/1 Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical, self-winding 22K openworked oscillating weight in the shape of a Maltese
cross NAC treatment 29.6 mm (12½’’’) diameter, 4.05 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour)
276 components
36 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications Hours and minutes
Perpetual calendar (date, day of the week, month, leap year)
Moon phases
Case 18K 5N pink gold
41.5 mm diameter, 8.1 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial Sapphire
18K 5N pink gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands
highlighted with white luminescent material
Bracelet/Straps 18K 5N pink gold bracelet (half Maltese cross-shaped polished
and satin-brushed links), secured by a 18K 5N pink gold triple
blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment
system
Delivered with a second strap blue Mississippiensis alligator
leather featuring a blue nubuck lining, with a micro-perforated
effect, hand-stitched,
Delivered with a third strap in blue rubber
Clasp Each additional strap comes with an 18K 5N pink gold buckle