Pure, rare and eternal… platinum is the favoured material in the field of Fine Watchmaking. In 2006, to honour this intrinsic alliance between pure mechanical refinement and an inestimably precious material, Vacheron Constantin instated the Collection Excellence Platine, issued in limited series and desgined for collectors of exceptional timepieces.
In creating the Collection Excellence Platine, Vacheron Constantin wished to highlight the distinctive qualities of platinum, which was discovered in the 18th century by the explorer and astronomer Antonio de Ulla. It is the noblest of all metals and one that the watchmakers of the Manufacture began using in 1820. A material that is 95% pure as against 75% for 18-carat gold, platinum is sourced from an extremely limited number of deposits, mainly consisting of magmatic rock complexes. Its density and its weight explain its resistance that is far higher than that of the other metals and place it at the very pinnacle of the materials used in watchmaking. It was indeed long regarded as the exclusive preserve of royalty and maharajas. The imperishable, high-performance properties of platinum make it synonymous with durability and ensure its enduring appeal among an elite circle of connoisseurs and collectors.
The Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day tourbillon joins the ranks of the remarkable watches singled out to belong within the Collection Excellence Platine. This exceptional timepiece is the culmination of a technical approach that consists in sublimating the major complication represented by the tourbillon. Vacheron Constantin has long since demonstrated its boldness and its expertise in this demanding field.
