Vacheron Constantin Unveils Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time for Only Watch

By Valerie Jack | July 8, 2013

Luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has unveiled its contribution for Only Watch 2013. The Swiss manufacture created the new Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time, a watch which represents Vacheron Constantin’s mastery of engraving, enamelling and gem-setting.

It seems fitting that Vacheron Constantin chose to create a World Time for the event considering that this complication has experienced a major comeback since the manufacture unveiled their new Calibre 2460 WT movement. The Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time “Only Watch” model begins with a 42.5mm diameter exhibition case in 950 platinum. Monaco, the GMT reference city, is decorated with a round-cut diamond, while enamelling artist Anita Porchet created a translucent, opalescent enamel coating for the hand-engraved cities representing the countries around the world.

The Calibre 2460 WT mechanical movement in the Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time “Only Watch” model not only indicates full time zones, but also partial time zones. Since a number of countries have adopted a time that is a half-hour or a quarter-hour out of sync with UTC (Universal Coordinated Time), Vacheron Constantin specifically developed the Calibre 2460 WT to allow the wearer to determine the precise time in 37 different zones of the world. The wearer simply uses the crown of the watch to make zone adjustments, choosing the reference city by placing it facing the red triangle at 6 o’clock. The time in the reference location is then read either via the hours hand of the watch or on the 24-hour disc. The time in any of the 36 other time zones can be read simultaneously as well, with the cities in black representing the complete time zones, while the cities in grey indicate half-hour or quarter-hour time zones. This timepiece also boasts a day/night indicator symbolized by the 24-hour disc, with the night shown in red and the day in white. The movement bears the prestigious Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva).

In honor of the annual event, which is organized by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy, the caseback bears an “Only Watch 2013, Pièce unique” engraving. The Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time “Only Watch” model is completed by a saddle-stitched black alligator leather strap secured by a folding clasp.