Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra Thin Calibre 1731 Timepiece by Vacheron Constantin
The elected masters, such as the complexity demand the highest level of skill, own the art of creating timepieces with sound. The famous watchmakers of Vacheron Constantin manufacture are developing such calibers for more than two centuries.
Today, the company presents the ultra-thin mechanism 1731 from the Patrimony Contemporaine collection. Through the efforts of artists a masterpiece was created that combines the complex mechanism, the ultra-thin caliber with fine minute repeater and the thinnest watch with minute repeater.
1.jpg "Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra Thin Calibre 1731 Timepiece by Vacheron Constantin")
Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra Thin Calibre 1731 Timepiece by Vacheron Constantin
The first minute repeater was created in the 18th century, and to know the time when it was possible with the use of sound in the dark. Minute repeater can beat the hours, quarters of hours and minutes.The brand Vacheron Constantin has developed its first minute repeater pocket watch in 1810. For decades were created unique models with a number of complications.
The new mechanism 1731 with 65 -hour power reserve is thicker predecessor of 1993 - instead of 3.90 mm - 3.28 mm. In creating the new caliber, the masters decided to challenge that lies in the following: to assemble and to adjust the fine details of the mechanism. The new caliber is equipped with "flying" sound regulator, which is in contrast to the classic controls are silent. Its purpose is to stabilize the impact velocity of the hammer gongs. Without regulator, this musical sequence would have made at the barrel spring speed of sound and would represent a chaotic stream of resonance.
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Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra Thin Calibre 1731 Timepiece by Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin manufacture invention consists of two rotors, which act on a rotating shaft as a brake controller, balancing energy, which produces the barrel spring. For this purpose, there are two opposing forces - centrifugal and centripetal. Turning the knob to the centrifugal force spins the one end of the rotor so that the other end presses against the rod, stabilizing the speed and providing a steady rhythm. The controller is decorated with the Vacheron Constantin`s Maltese cross logo.
To create such a complex mechanism, the masters use more than 1200 instruments. In developing the caliber, the watchmakers have used different techniques to create a clear and melodious tone. Gongs are connected to the center of the case to enhance the sound, and the first time they are placed one above the other, rather than side-by-side.
The case of the novelty is designed to be integral with the caliber. Here, the masters faced with the task - to ensure the flow of air between the engine and the case for the optimal sound distribution. The case is made without a seam, and so the components can increase the amplitude of the sound waves, while the soaring controller provides stable speed of hammer blows of gongs.
Each artist sets his music in a minute repeater, but the final sound depends on the acute hearing of virtuosos who are responsible for mechanisms with sounds. Testing is carried out exactly at 4:49 - this is the time most clearly audible modulation due to almost equal intervals between the hours (4 hits), quarters (3 hits) and minutes (4 hits).
The novelty Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra Thin Calibre 1731 (Ref. 30110/000R-9793) has a round case diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 8.09 mm in 18- carat pink gold 5N. The opaline dial, equipped with applied hour markers, hands, and the second`s hand at the 8 o`clock position of 18K rose gold 5N, is protected by a sapphire glass.
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Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra Thin Calibre 1731 Timepiece by Vacheron Constantin
The new caliber 1731 with a diameter 32.80 mm (14 '' '¼) and a thickness of 3.90 mm is composed of 265 parts, assembled by 36 jewels, has a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, 65 - hour power reserve. A hand-stitched brown alligator strap with a gold buckle complements the elegant model.The watch comes with the La Musique du Temps resonator sound, amplifying the sound and tone of the Vacheron Constantin minute repeaters.
Official site of Vacheron Constantin.
Written by Angel
