Vault V1 + CTi
The Vault V1 + CTi sets aside convention, playfully depicting the hours and minutes in a myriad of different ways. Unusually, setting the watch results in both the dial and movement rotating within the case, causing the hour markers to assume a new position each time. The watch is housed in an ultra-lightweight carbon titanium composite case, weighing a mere 51 grams. Perhaps most notably, this watch invites the wearer to view time from a philosophical perspective.
This detailed review of the Vault V1 + CTi includes images, specification details and pricing.
Time means different things to different people. For some time is simply a four digit number on an iPhone. Alternatively, horophiles perceive time as an artistic medium where craftsmanship, complications and aesthetics unite in spellbinding concert. There are also the philosophers who question the very meaning of time.
Mark Schwarz, the founder of Vault, clearly falls into the latter category. The watches masterminded by his team don’t just display the prevailing hours and minutes, but invite the wearer to rethink the very notion of time.
The company’s nomenclature evokes thoughts of a safe. Moreover, the hour track of each model rotates, again, referencing a vault mechanism. A Vault watch infers time is precious, an aspect which will resonate with all middle-aged gentleman.
However, beyond the symbolism, a Vault watch is imbued with a high quotient of watchmaking innovation and virtue. The brand’s latest timepiece, the Vault V1 + CTi, proves no exception.
The dial
The minutes are proclaimed with a lone, prominent hand. This hand is lined with a liberal application of red Super-LumiNova, conversing with the minute track which hugs the periphery of the dial. Arabic numerals, truncated strokes and red, luminescent cylindrical markers all collaborate together, successfully conveying the minutes.
While the minutes indication appears relatively straightforward, the proclamation of the hours could best be described as ‘radical’. The hours are positioned beneath a sapphire crystal disc. This disc features a graduated tint, starting with a fully transparent section and becoming increasingly opaque. The area between the transparent section and the fully opaque portion denotes the hour.
Setting the time with the crown results in both the movement and the dial rotating. The movement rotates 360° every time the dial rotates 330°. This feat is achieved using a transmission reduction system. Each occasion the time is set, the position of the hour markers alters. For example, it is quite possible that 6 o’clock could be positioned in the upper portion of the dial.
While the indications displayed are typical of most watches, namely hours and minutes, the mechanical complexity of the Vault V1 + CTi is breathtaking. Close examination of the dial reveals a plethora of wheels wonderfully integrating together, making this watch particularly appealing to the mechanically curious.
The case
The Swiss brand has chosen to house the Vault V1 + CTi in an unusual case formed of carbon titanium composite. The material was developed with Vault’s partner, Fatcarbon. It consists of very thin pre-preg carbon layers and fine titanium powder, each layered in alternate sequence and baked under pressure to form a homogenous block of material. This block is then milled using a CNC machine to form the intricate case shape. The milling process is incredibly protracted, necessitating 32 hours of machine running time.
The resultant 5-part case is strong, incredibly light, very comfortable to wear and endowed with a becoming grained appearance. The titanium crown is formed of two parts and protrudes noticeably from the caseband. The scale of the crown facilitates ease of adjustment, however, it does not impinge on the wrist.
An exhibition caseback provides sight of the self-winding movement within the watch. A flourish of red Super-LumiNova adorns the rear-mounted sapphire crystal.
The movement
The V01 automatic movement has been made for Vault by Andreas Strehler and his esteemed company, Uhrteil AG. Marc Jenni, another illustrious name known to many within the watch industry, created a new, lighter oscillating mass for the Vault V1 + CTi.
A variable inertia balance ensures the hairspring breathes concentrically, aiding precision. The frequency of the balance is 21,600 VpH (3Hz) and the power reserve is capable of delivering 50 hours of autonomous operation.
The modernity of the dial and the case extends to the movement. There is a distinct absence of traditional embellishments such as Côtes de Genève. Indeed, the bridges are black rhodium-plated, brushed and bevelled. The rotor and baseplate are also pearl blasted and rhodium plated. While movement parts appear contemporary, a sense of quality pervades the calibre V01.
Closing remarks
The Vault V1 + CTi is the latest release from the young watch brand. The Swiss firm state that ‘over 60% of all parts have been redesigned, enhanced and reengineered for the second generation Vault V1 watches.’ Certainly, this watch seems engineered to the nth degree.
While the time indication is unusual and the position of the hour markers, on some occasions, may sound counter-intuitive, the dial actually proves simple to read.
The carbon titanium composite case reminds me of a sylphlike fairy. Quite simply, it weighs virtually nothing. Tipping the scales at 51g, the low mass of the case confers an incredible wrist feel. Moreover, the grained appearance of the case imbues the Vault V1 + CTi with a fascinating texture.
Vault has called on the services of two incredible watchmaking talents. Andreas Strehler and Marc Jenni are renowned within the watch industry and I am not surprised that this project required the expertise of these two illustrious figures. Despite only displaying the hours and minutes, the Vault V1 + CTi is incredibly complex.
A sense of quality permeates this watch. From the complex dial construction, the time-consuming gestation of the case, to the sumptuous ostrich leg leather strap, there is a discernible virtue to each component used.
Owing to its unconventional composition, the Vault V1 + CTi will not appeal to everyone. However, it is constructed to a high standard, proves incredibly light to wear and, most pertinently, it redefines how we look at time.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Vault V1 + CTi
- Case: Carbon titanium composite; dimensions 46.7mm x 39mm; height 15mm; sapphire crystal to the front and sapphire caseback
- Functions: Hours; minutes
- Movement: V01; automatic movement; frequency 21,600 VpH (3Hz); power reserve = 50 hours
- Price – CHF 59,500 excluding tax (RRP 5.3.2019)