The Malte Moon Phase and Power Reserve is a refined complication model displaying a classic style tinged with modernity, while a fresh interpretation of the fascinating Malte Tourbillon Openworked reveals its airy geometry playing with light and shade. These creations bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva assert their aesthetic signature in a nobly distinguished style.

Firmly rooted in the Vacheron Constantin aesthetic heritage since 1912, the tonneau (barrel) shape is interpreted in the Malte collection through a range of understated and sophisticated creations. These models feature a distinctively curved design, contemporary lines and a pure, understated display. Redesigned in 2012, the Malte collection highlights the creative boldness of the Manufacture, which was one of the first to adopt this unusual design a century earlier, at a time when round watches dominated the market. This curved case middle perfectly moulding the shape of the wrist symbolises the Malte collection and its two new references characterised by inherent classicism imbued with originality.

Malte Moon Phase and Power Reserve

Embodying an appealing blend of purity and sophistication, the new Malte Moon Phase and Power Reserve model displays the assertive personality and elegant style of the creations composing this collection. This refined watch, bearing the Hallmark of Geneva like all Vacheron Constantin models, features a barrel-shaped watch in pink gold measuring 36.7 x 48.1 mm. Its slender curves topped by discreet lugs frame the dainty moon phase as well as the 40-hour power-reserve indication adorning a silver-toned sandblasted dial that is lightly domed so as to follow the smooth curve of the model. Slender gold hands sweep over this understated display punctuated by hour-markers with the collection’s signature Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock. Subtly expressing daring geometry and remarkable technical refinement, the Malte Moon Phase and Power Reserve beats to the rhythm of manual-winding Caliber 1410, entirely developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin. Equipped with a high-precision gear train, the moon-phase mechanism also known as an “astronomical moon” requires just one correction every 122 years.

Malte Tourbillon Openworked

In 2014, Vacheron Constantin created Caliber 2780 SQ – a barrel-shaped caliber that was also skeletonised – beating at the heart of a Malte Tourbillon Openworked in a platinum case. An accomplishment made possible by the work of virtuoso watchmakers and artisans. The collection is now joined by a Malte Tourbillon Openworked model with an 18K 5N pink gold case.

This new creation bearing the Hallmark of Geneva is a rare occurrence in the Fine Watchmaking world. Its curved 38 x 48.24 mm pink gold case frames an entirely openworked and hand- engraved barrel-shaped tourbillon movements. Alternating shadow and light effects enable Vacheron Constantin Caliber 2790 SQ to reveal an original architectural decor playing with geometrical shapes. The latter have always inspired the greatest builders, architects and artists. The stylistic inspiration behind these works is characterised by subtle light patterns created by a pyramid of chiaroscuro contrasts based on the repetitive use of fundamental geometrical elements. The resulting entirely hand-engraved three-dimensional mosaic is magnificently enhanced by an imposing Maltese cross-shaped tourbillon. Around 540 hours of patient, rigorous and accurate workmanship, from the development of the caliber to the manual finishing of each of its 246 components, are required to achieve the clever balance between a tourbillon mechanism and the aery openworked aesthetic. Coated in pink gold, this exceptional mechanism powering indications of the hours, minutes, seconds, date and power reserve, appears through a transparent sapphire dial rimmed by a silver-toned ring and punctuated by 11 baton-type hour- markers as well as an applied Roman (XII) numeral in 18K 5N pink gold.

The curved shape and the inherent style of these two watches are admirably complemented by an elegant alligator leather brown strap secured by a half Maltese cross-shaped folding clasp.