News: Latest releases from Vacheron Constantin, Breguet and Piaget
Another week sees another new, eclectic batch of watches released into the world. This trio of models from three of the most established names in the industry has something for everyone.
There’s an Overseas with a pleasingly familiar dial, a crowd-pleasing Piaget Polo with arguably horology’s most awe-inspiring complication, plus a dazzling special-edition Breguet that’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift. What would you pick?
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chrono Panda 5500V/110A-B686
Mention the word “panda”, at least in the watch industry, and most people will think of the Rolex Daytona rather than bamboo-eating bears. But so-called “panda dials”—black chronograph registers on a white dial—aren’t the sole preserve of Rolex. Flick through any vintage catalogue and you’ll find anything from Zenith El Primeros to Heuer Autavias sporting the look. Until now, Vacheron Constantin hasn’t paired such a dial with its Overseas Chronograph, although in 2018 it did release a reverse panda version—three white registers on a black dial—so if this watch seems familiar, that’ll be the reason. Dial aside, it’s exactly the same as that all-steel model, reference 110A5500V, with the self-winding calibre 5200 providing a 52-hour power reserve. To accommodate the subdials, the date aperture sits at 4 o’clock rather than 3 o’clock, as with the non-chronograph Overseas models, but you still get the exhibition case back to view the stunning Vacheron Constantin gold rotor within.
Case | Stainless-steel
Dimensions | 42.5mm
Dial | Silver-toned, sunburst satin-finished
Crystal | Sapphire crystal
Water-resistance | 150m
Movement | Vacheron Constantin 5200 calibre, automatic
Power reserve | 52 hours
Frequency | 28,800 vph
Strap | Stainless-steel
Functions | hours, minutes, and date. Small seconds at 9 o'clock. Chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters.
RRP | £31,200
Breguet Classique Phase de Lune 9085 Valentine's Day Edition
Breguet’s eponymous founder Abraham-Louis passed away in 1823, meaning this year is a notable anniversary for this venerable brand. If they’re going to do anything special, they’ve certainly got off to a great start with incredible pieces like this Valentine’s Day special edition in white gold, limited to just 28 pieces—presumably because that’s how many days are in February. All the hallmark Breguet features are present—those unmistakeable numerals and blued-steel “pomme” hands—as well as guilloche work in the centre of the mother-of-pearl dial. The numerals are alternated with rubies, with no less than 66 diamonds decorating the bezel and lugs. Even the moonphase display is that extra bit special thanks to a hand-hammered white-gold moon to replicate the cratered lunar surface. We can certainly think of worse gifts to give your other half on February 14th.
Case | 18k white-gold
Dimensions | 30mm
Dial | White mother-of-pearl
Crystal | Sapphire crystal
Water-resistance | 30m
Movement | Breguet in-house calibre 537L, automatic
Power reserve | 45 hours
Frequency | 21,600 vph
Strap | Red alligator leather strap
Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, and moonphase.
RRP | £33,300
Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
Incredibly slim watches have been something of a speciality for Piaget since the 1950s when they introduced their manual-wind calibre 9P movement, setting a trend for elegant flat cases. They followed this up with the self-winding calibre 12P, which manged to stay thin thanks to the use of a micro-rotor. This stunning perpetual calendar Polo model—the first of its kind—runs on the contemporary calibre 1255P, also featuring a micro-rotor. The emerald green dial is mesmerising and boasts a horizontal guilloched ‘gadroon’ pattern not dissimilar to Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, with which the Polo is often compared. It comes on a stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, while an interchangeable green rubber strap is included.
Case | Stainless-steel
Dimensions | 42mm
Dial | Emerald green guilloche dial with a gadroon pattern
Crystal | Sapphire crystal
Water-resistance | 30m
Movement | Piaget in-house ultra-thin (4mm) calibre 1255P, automatic
Power reserve | 42 hours
Frequency | 21,600 vph
Strap | Stainless-steel
Functions | Hours, minutes, and moonphase indicator at 6 o'clock. Retrograde day display at 9 o'clock. Month at 12 o'clock. Year at 12 o'clock. Date at 3 o'clock.
RRP | $58,500
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