Vacheron Constantin marked its 260th anniversary this year with the most complicated watch ever, and also the cushion-shaped Harmony collection. That encompasses the exquisite US$369,200 Harmony Ultra-Thin Grande Complication Chronograph, but also the more affordable Harmony Dual Time seen here.

The Harmony Dual Time is a straightforward dual time zone watch, with a second time zone sub-dial at four o’clock, along with the day and night indicator at eight. All the displays are adjusted via the crown, and can be set forwards and backwards. It’s easy to use and legible, though the absence of a date display is a drawback in a travel watch.

With large blue Arabic numerals and spade-shaped hands, the look modelled on a vintage Vacheron Constantin chronograph of the 1920s (that is remade with the new Harmony Chronograph). It’s a classical but distinctive look, different enough that it’s easily recognisable.  Though the 260th anniversary Harmony models are all limited editions, the case shape will become part of the regular collection come 2016.

One key feature that separates this Harmony Dual Time different from what’s to come is the gold rotor. Made of 22k rose gold, the rotor is decorated with a floral motif inspired an engraving found on the oldest known watch made by Jean-Marc Vacheron, dating from 1755. Hand-engraved in a fleurisanne style, the rotor decoration is in relief, with raised curlicues against a grained background.

The movement is the calibre 2460DT, a variant of Vacheron Constantin’s top of the line automatic movement. It’s the same movement found in the Chronomètre Royal, arguably the brand’s best time-only wristwatch.

The engraved rotor

The calibre 2460 is elaborated constructed, right down to the mechanism that stops the balance wheel when the crown is pulled. It is obviously a high quality movement, with a fine finishing (though one that is done in series rather than in an artisanal manner). Like all other mechanical Vacheron Constantin movement, this is hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève, a seal of decorative and functional quality.

The stop seconds lever at top right

The Geneva Seal hallmark at the end of the balance cock on the left

At 40mm in diameter and 11mm high, the case is substantial enough to noticed on the first, especially given its cushion shape. But it is still moderately sized, and slim enough to go under a cuff. In the 40mm size the Harmony Dual Time is priced at US$40,000 or S$61,500. The 40mm model is limited to 625 pieces each in rose and white gold.  It’s also offered as a smaller, 37mm ladies’ watch in white gold with a diamond set bezel, limited to 500 pieces with a price tag of S$71,100.