Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding Watch Review (2022)
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding, presented in a 33 mm pink gold case, features a mother-of-pearl dial and a bezel enlivened with 54 round-cut diamonds. At the heart of the watch is a beautifully finished, hand-wound movement, the Calibre 1440. Finally, the timepiece bears the prestigious Poinçon de Genève on its case and movement, a hallmark synonymous with Haute Horlogerie.
Traditional gender stereotypes
An increasing number of watch brands are choosing not to define watches as ‘gents’ or ‘ladies’. Clearly, some individuals do not subscribe to traditional gender stereotypes. Indeed, many men choose to wear 36mm watches and, likewise, some ladies prefer to wear timepieces measuring 40mm or more. Therefore, there is a strong argument for marketing watches by size rather than gender.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding – unequivocally feminine
Nevertheless, some watches remain overtly feminine. Take, for example, the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding. It features a 33 mm pink gold case, mother-of-pearl dial and a bezel enlivened with 54 round-cut diamonds. Similar to a glamorous ballgown, it is unequivocally feminine and eminently serene.
The Traditionnelle collection has been a loyal member of the brand’s household for several years, with each family member encompassing classical lines and mechanical excellence. Some models feature complications such as Tourbillons, calendar functions or chronographs, however, the new Traditionnelle Manual-Winding shuns complexity in favour of pure, simple elegant lines.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding – mother-of-pearl dial
Dauphine-style hour and minute hands, made from 18-carat rose gold, float above a still sea of white mother-of-pearl. Hours are denoted with applied 18-carat rose gold indexes. The indexes at the cardinal points emulate the brand’s logo, albeit in partial form, while the intermediate indexes are rectangular prisms. Lastly, a chemin de fer encircles the dial, aiding readability.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding – calibre 1440
While some would-be wearers prefer the convenience of a battery-powered watch, most purists usually prefer the charms of a majestic mechanical movement. The new Traditionnelle Manual-Winding features the tried and trusted Calibre 1440.
Bearing the coveted prestigious Poinçon de Genève, the timepiece is wonderfully executed. One of the requirements of the Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva) is that all signs of machining are removed by employing approved finishing techniques. In this instance, the mainplate is decorated with perlage while the bridges feature Côtes de Genève, anglage and gilded text. 
Assuming the mainspring is fully tensioned, the watch will run autonomously for 42 hours. One of the benefits of being hand-wound is the movement does not have an oscillating weight that would increase its thickness. Therefore, the svelte movement measures just 2.6mm in height, endowing the model with a slender profile of just 7.7mm, reinforcing the feminal character of the watch.
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding is presented on a sumptuous warm grey alligator leather strap paired with a pink gold ardillon buckle inspired by the Maison’s Maltese Cross emblem.
Once again, the Genevan Maison has created a sublime expression of femininity and sophistication for the delectation of purists.
Price £28,500 (RRP as of 23.8.2023).