On the occasion of ONLY WATCH 2009, organised on behalf of the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy, Vacheron Constantin makes its first-ever introduction of a watch made from tantalum. 

This one-of-kind Quai de l’Ile model, testifying to the latest technological breakthroughs from the Geneva-based manufacturer, will be presented at the charity auction to be held in Monaco on September 24th 2009.

In a fascinating new sequel to the official launch of the new Quai de l’Ile collection in Geneva at the April 2008 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Vacheron Constantin now presents the first-ever one-of-a-kind Quai de l’Ile model. Dedicated to the ONLY WATCH 2009 charity auction that will take place in Monaco on September 24th, this unique watch features a tantalum case also representing a major first in the history of the Geneva-based manufacturer.

Not only had Vacheron Constantin never yet made a watch in tantalum, but its original dial was also the object of cutting-edge research conducted by the Vacheron Constantin teams, thereby ensuring the unique nature of this model specially intended to raise funds for the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy.

While Vacheron Constantin had thus far used the entire range of precious metals to be found within the watch industry, including palladium which also appears on the sides and crown of the ONLY WATCH ’09 model, many long months of technical development were required to create the tantalum case with its revolutionary construction consisting of seven main elements and enabling a successful alliance between the two metals.

The semi-transparent dial of the Quai de l’Ile provides a spectacular plunging view of the complex mechanism of Calibre 2460 bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva and entirely developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Above all, it stems from an association between the world of watchmaking and that of the ultra-secret, incredibly sophisticated Security Printing technologies such as are used for banknotes and passports, resulting in an unprecedented combination of engraving, metallization and special inks. On this unique model, the following message of support appears around the minute circle:

“Monaco, September 24th 2009, hand in hand with the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies

Vacheron Constantin supports scientific and medical research

to provide children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a better quality of life.”

The Quai de l’Ile collection, embodying a new dimension in Fine Watchmaking, is united here with tantalum, a metal widely used in the aeronautical and medical industries.

These two powerful symbols of the spirit of constant research and innovation that prevailed throughout the project development phase inspired the Vacheron Constantin teams in conceiving and crafting this one-of-a-kind creation for the ONLY WATCH auction. They are indeed the very qualities needed by the scientists seeking to find therapeutic treatments for a disease that is still incurable and affects tens of thousands of children around the world.

Technical details

Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile

Only Watch 2009 one-of-a-kind creation
Date: self-winding

Reference: 86050/000M9560

CASE

Material: tantalum, 950 palladium
Dimensions: 41.00 x 50.50 mm, 12.90 mm thick
Strap width: 23.00 mm
Shape and construction: cambered rectangle, modular construction
Back: transparent, sapphire crystal, screwed-down
Finishing: satin-brushed
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating on under side, convex
Water resistance: 3 Atm, equivalent to a depth of 30 meters

DIAL AND HANDS

Dial material: sapphire crystal
Finishing: sapphire crystal; galvanic growth of nickel, metallization, laser engraving and inking
Hours : 3,6,9 and 12: galvanic growth of nickel, rhodium layer
1,2,4,5,7,8,10 and 11: engraving and black or white engraving
Material and type of hands: hours and minutes: satin-finished 18K white gold with white luminescent material;
seconds: satin-brushed pfinodal

MOVEMENT

Reference 2460H410QH, Hallmark of Geneva
Rhodiumed snail-shaped outer ring
Energy: mechanical, self-winding
Diameter and thickness: 25.60 mm , 5.70 mm
Number of jewels: 27
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations / hour (4Hz)
Power reserve: approximately 43 hours
Indications: central hour, minute and seconds hands

Additional functions: date disc featuring optimal readability

OTHER ELEMENTS

Strap: black hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled, ultra-shiny alligator leather
Delivered with an additional strap in black vulcanised rubber

Clasp: palladium triple-blade folding clasp with polished half Maltese cross.

Source: Vacheron Constantin