Vacheron Constantin - 47070/000J-9084

Metiers d'Art Tribute To Great Explorers Zhang He Expedition

Case

Dial

Description

Barely a year before its 250th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin unveiled a horological marvel confirming that its centuries of continuous activity have not in the least dulled the enterprising spirit or dimmed the creative spark of the world's oldest watch manufacturer, in uninterrupted activity ever since its inception. Wedding craftsmanship of the highest order and inventive horologicaltechniques, this Patrimony design is dedicated to some of history's foremost explorers and voyagers, four larger-than-life figures in the exploration of our planet. The Portuguese navigator Fernand de Magellan and the Chinese mariner Zheng He are the first two figures in the series to be saluted by Vacheron Constantin.

The present model is dedicated toZheng He (Cheng Ho), admiral of one of the most powerful fleets in history. It comprised 62 huge multimasted junks and 100 lesser vessels, carrying nearly 30,000 men. In addition to the crew, the fleet included scientists, State officials and interpreters in all the languages spoken along the coastline of the Indian Ocean, from Vietnamese to Arabic.

Movement

Automatic movement based on JLC 889. Wandering hours similar to Urwerk / Starwheel.

An extraordinary sight, made possible by a no less extraordinary C and of course exclusive C mechanical development under the dial. Building on a tried and tested selfwinding movement, this horological ?complication? puts in play a series of truly original devices: broad rotating hour ?crown? wheel, positioning fingerpieces and pivoting hour-figure-bearing satellites driven by Maltese crosses reminiscent of Vacheron Constantin's long-established corporate symbol. Not a few watchmakers would doubtless be stunned at the sight?abefore applauding so remarkable an accomplishment.

More watches using the Vacheron Constantin 1126 ATcaliber