Up Close with the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph
In a year full of new chronograph launches, the flagship chronograph from Vacheron Constantin is the Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph, featuring a newly developed in-house movement. Here's a detailed look at it, complete with original photos and price.
For its 260th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin introduced a slew of new chronographs this year, with the most beautiful arguably the Cornes de Vache 1955. But the Harmony chronographs are more significant, being equipped with the brand’s first in-house chronograph movements. The Harmony line-up starts with the entry-level Harmony calibre 3300, continuing with the much pricier, but more spectacular Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph. And at the very top sits the Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph.
The features of the Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph are obvious, the calibre 3200 inside has both a chronograph and tourbillon. In fact, the movement is what the calibre inside the basic Harmony Chronograph should be.
Whereas in the basic Harmony chronograph the balance cock is unattractively large so as to occupy vacant space, here that space is rightly filled by the tourbillon bridge. Like the other 260th anniversary editions, the tourbillon bridge on the back is gilded and hand-engraved with a floral motif.
Typical of traditionally constructed chronographs that feature a horizontal clutch, the calibre 3300 is filled with levers and gears, with much to admire. A relief Maltese cross tops the column wheel, now a signature feature in all Vacheron Constantin chronographs. But unlike many other similar chronograph movements, the calibre 3300 is quite large, with the chronograph components relatively spaced out. This means it lacks the elegant and compelling density of its competitors; the Harmony split-seconds chronograph being a good example.
Essentially the same tourbillon found in other Vacheron Constantin watches (like the skeleton tourbillons), and something the brand excels at, the tourbillon regulator is lovely to behold. The Maltese cross-shaped carriage is black polished, while the tourbillon bridge is finished even more elaborately, being both rounded as well as black polished.
The platinum case is a large 42 mm in diameter, with the cushion shaped and dial design modelled on a 1920s Vacheron Constantin chronograph. It has a handsome, vintage-inspired look, though the power reserve indicator and exposed tourbillon are distinctly modern.
Price and availability
The Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph is a limited edition of 26 pieces, priced at US$314,600 or S$558,500. Despite the limited numbers, one or two might still be available.
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