The event has a strict invitation policy, where only certain celebrities, fashion designers, influential figures, and models are invited. As this is a fashion event, there will be a range of outfits on show, from the stylish and classy to the wild and outrageous. With these outfits come the accessories, accessories that we love: watches.

Having a nice watch on the wrist can perfectly complement and even lift the attire being worn. Every watch collector has that one piece that comes out only on special occasions. For celebrities and attendees of the Met Gala, this is their chance to showcase the best they have. So without further ado, let’s look at the timepieces that were worn during this year’s Met Gala.

Simu Liu – Vacheron Constantin Overseas

Ref. 4500V
Image Ref: Monochrome watches/Getty Images

The Canadian actor known for portraying Shang-chi in the 2021 Marvel movie Shang-Chi was seen wearing a Vacheron Constantin Overseas. This particular model is stainless steel with a black dial.

Price: $35,500 AUD

Stormzy – Patek Philippe Nautilus

Ref. 5711/110P-001
Image Ref: Theperpetualwatch / Uproxx/Getty Images

The British rapper Michael Owuo Jr., more famously known as Stormzy, made a stylish entrance into this year’s Met Gala in a floral print blue and black suit. Accompanying this suit was his rare full platinum Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/110P with a factory diamond bezel.

Price: $155,000 USD.

Eileen Gu – IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34

Ref (IW659802)
Image ref: Watchilove / Unofficialnetworks

The 19-year-old freestyle skier has represented China in halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events since 2019. Matching her beautiful white and pink dress was her IWC Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34, with a pink leather strap.

Price: $30,200 AUD

Jack Harlow – Rolex GMT Master II (Batman) 

Ref. 126710BLNR-0003
Image Ref: Bilboard.com

Jack Harlow the famous American rapper was seen at the Gala wearing an navy Tommy Hilfiger jacket and pants, which let his stainless steel Rolex GMT stand out quite nicely. This Rolex GMT Master II has a blue and black bezel insert and is iconically known as the “Batman”.

Price: $15,050 AUD

Roger Federer – Rolex Perpetual 1908

Image Ref: Gettyimages.

One of the all-time greats, if not the greatest tennis player ever, Roger Federer in a slick and sharp suit. On the wrist? A piece that’s just as classy and elegant as his attire. The Rolex Perpetual 1908 in white gold and fluted bezel was just released at this year’s Watches and Wonders.

Price: $32,850 AUD

Rami Malek –  Cartier Tank Must

Ref. WGTA0091
Image Ref: JustJared.com

Rami Malek, the American actor who played the villain in the last Bond Movie “No Time to Die” and also the lead role in Bohemian Rhapsody wore what is a very minimalistic outfit. The somewhat plain black and white attire was accompanied by his 18l Rose gold Cartier Tank Louis.

Price: $20,500 AUD

Michelle Yeoh – Richard Mille platinum with baguette-cut diamonds

Ref (RM 07-01)
Image Ref: Jamesedition.com / Getty Images

The Malaysian actress famous for her roles in Crazy Rich Asians, Shang Chi and 007’s Tomorrow Never Dies just to name a few was seen donning the Richard Mille RM07-01. This timepiece makes use of ceramic, gold, carbon, and of course…diamonds!

Price: $1,000,000 USD

Nick Jonas – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Ref (26315ST.OO.1256ST.02.)
Image Ref: John Shearer/Wireimage

The American singer, songwriter, and actor Nick Jonas wore a sharp suit with a leather jacket combo accompanied by a very fine timepiece tucked away. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 38mm, a stainless steel chronograph with a beautiful silver dial.

Price: $31,500 USD.

Anitta – Roger Dubuis Velvet Platinum 38MM

Ref. (RDDBVE0019)
Image Ref: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

The Brazilian superstar gracefully entered Met Gala 2023 for her third appearance in a Marc Jacobs gown with a long silky train. For us watch aficionados, however, the center of her outfit was the Roger Dubuis Velvet Platinum 38mm.

Price: $ 2,155,000 AUD.

But is the blue dial overplayed? Is it over-used by watch brands? Blue dial timepieces have been around for decades. One of the first blue dials to appear in production was from IWC in 1967. In its early days, blue dials were reserved for limited edition timepieces for a lot of brands, signifying its specialty. This still is the case with a few brands today (think IWC, TAG Heuer, etc) even though blue dials are very popular in the modern age.

Even with its popularity, we feel that blue dials are essentially a timeless design. No matter how many blue-dial watches you see, every brand has its own take on it, making each watch stand out in its own way. There are also quite a few different shades of blue. From H.Moser & Cie’s incredible Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tantalum Blue Enamel (which you can read about here) to TAG Heuer’s TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf Special Edition (read here), there is a variety when it comes to blue dials to suit all kinds of personalities and tastes.

With this in mind, we want to showcase some of the best blue dials to come out of Watches and Wonders 2023. Not just any shade of blue dial however as there would be far too many options. In particular, we want to showcase the navy blue dials.

Panerai Radiomir Annual Calendar

This timepiece is a brand first for Panerai. For the first time, they have introduced an annual calendar into their Radomir collection. They have introduced two variants, with this variant being made from Goldtech^TM with a blue sun-brushed dial.

The Panerai Radiomir Annual Calendar comes with a beautiful sun-brushed sandwich dial which is overlaid on top of the disc of Super-Luminova, with the deep blue accompanying the Goldtech™. This blue dial is perfectly complemented by the white and rose gold details (hands and hour indices).

If you want to read more on Panarai’s latest blue dial beauty, click here.

Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 41.5mm Bi-colour

Oris is accustomed to using beautifully blue dials on their timepieces, especially on their Aquis range. For this year’s Watches and Wonders, Oris released a fun summer timepiece, in either a beautiful forest green or deep blue.

What makes this Aquis model stand out from the rest of the blue dials in Oris’s range? It would have to be the combination of the 18-carat gold finish with the blue. The bezel has an outer edge made from 18-carat. The details inside the dial, such as the hour hands and hour indices all have gold finishes, which along with the white SuperLumi-Nova contrasts beautifully against the blue backdrop.

Read more on this blue-dialed Oris Aquis 18k gold version here.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic in Rose Gold

At only 5.3mm thick, the Piaget Altiplano is not only a stunning timepiece but a masterful creation as well. This new Altiplano Ultimate Automatic in Rose Gold is very much similar to last year’s release, now just without the diamonds and bling.

And the dial? A stunning piece of art. The dial is carefully created to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. A half-skeleton dial is combined with an off-center circular sun-burst main dial in a dark navy blue. This is finished off with rose gold details that complement the dial and case nicely.

Read more about the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic in Rose Gold

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

This list wouldn’t be complete without including a blue-dialed timepiece from TAG Heuer. They have released quite a few great models already this year, but a blue-dialed timepiece that stood out the most for us was the latest TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2023.

The watch speaks for itself. A racing-inspired chronograph, the dial is filled with colourful reminders of TAG Heuer’s racing heritage and racing timepieces. This model has a signature blue sunray-brushed finish, which plays with light beautifully.

Read more about the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph here.

Baume Mercier Riviera Azur 300m

A blue dial with a twist. The Baume Mercier Riviera Azur 300m is no ordinary blue-dialed timepiece. Released as part of Baume Mercier’s 50th-anniversary celebrations for the Riviera collection, this new Azur 300m is a fashion sport-chich timepiece that can take a beating.

This diving watch comes with a smoked blue (or grey sapphire variant) that has a transparent wave decoration. A semi-skeletonised timepiece in which you can actually see the date ring underneath but not much else of the Baumatic manufacture movement. The transparent waves were inspired by the Mediterranean seafloor and the images of the ocean during summer. Perfectly suited for a blue-dialed timepiece.

If you want to learn more about the Azur 300m or see more in-depth pictures click here!

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date

One of our favourite blue dials released during this year’s Watches & Wonders 2023 has to be the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date. The shade of blue on this lacquered dial is truly breathtaking and deserves to be seen up close in person.

As the name suggests, this model comes with a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, which is beautifully decorated, and then a retrograde date indicator along the top half of the dial. The 18k white gold hour markers, and hands, along with the steel case and bracelet only aid this watch further in making it a visual masterpiece.

See more beautiful pictures and information on this timepiece here!

Grand Seiko TENTAGRAPH

This year saw Seiko unveil a completely new watch for the brand. A mechanical chronograph timepiece. The Grand Seiko TENTAGRAPH is introduced into the world of chronograph timepieces with the precision of high-beat movement and long power reserve.

The Blue “Mt. Iwate” pattern takes inspiration from the mountain that’s visible from Studio Shizukuishi. The rich deep blue of the dial is a reference to the night sky above the mountain. The timepiece’s readability is enhanced due to the direction contrast of the large hour indices and hands, which have also been coated in SuperLumi-Nova.

If you want to learn more about Grand Seiko’s first ever mechanical chronograph, click here!

With this display of different blue dials, the question of are blue dialed timepieces overused can be answered and safely put to rest. We think that while yes, blue dials are common, it is certainly not something that should be taken for granted. From even just the above chosen timepieces, it’s evident that no two brands showcase the same dial features. As we mentioned earlier, each brand has their own taken on the colour and finish of blue on the dial. And even if two brand’s shared this same dial colour and finish, what set’s them apart is the functions, design of hour indices and hands and also the material’s chosen for these features on the dial, which ultimately give the final touch to the blue dial.

So instead, we present my favourite twelve picks that came out of this year’s Geneva show, from Rolex’s Daytona to Vacheron Constantin’s Retrograde update.

Ulysse Nardin Freak One

The latest update to one of the most daring timepieces created in the 21st century. This newest creation, the Freak One, comes packed with technology while still remaining durable, easy to use, and designed to be worn as a daily.

The timepiece has been given a black DLC-coated titanium case with a rose gold 5N bezel with a matching dial interior. The three signature characteristics that made the Freak an icon is retained on this timepiece: no hands, no dial, and no crown. Ulysse Nardin is aiming to make the Freak One its flagship timepiece. You can read more about this latest FREAK creation here!

TAG Heuer Carrera Date 36mm

While TAG Heuer updated quite a few of their collections, one that stood out beautifully was the new colourways for the new Carrera Date 36mm.

The vibrant pink dial is just made to stand out. The added snailed finish on the dial makes it a stunning timepiece. TAG Heuer made a bold choice to break away from the traditional colours of black, blue, or white. A choice that we think will pay off for the brand. To see more of this pink dial Carrera Date plus more, click here!

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

No list would be complete without seeing the latest update from Rolex. The Rolex Daytona is as emblematic as it gets in the world of watches. The entire range of Daytona’s got an update for this year’s Watches and Wonders.

While the update to a lot of the models in this collection seemed minor, especially aesthetically, what stood out was the 950 platinum edition. Rolex has, for the first time in a Daytona, given the timepiece an open case back. Only visible on the 950 platinum model, Rolex has given this new Daytona collection the new-generation calibre 4131 movement. Read more about this latest update to the Daytona here!

Hublot Square Bang Unico New Editions

2022 saw the release of a world-first, square-shaped Bang Unico from Hublot. This model has enjoyed a lot of success since its release, so why not bring it back with an impressive update?

This year Watches and Wonders saw Hublot unveil three new editions for their Square Bang Unico. Two models in white and black sapphire and an incredible Square Bang Unico in Sapphire. Hublot is one of the leaders of using sapphire materials in their timepiece, so it only makes sense to bring two impressive designs together. Read all about the new Square Bang Unico here!

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Retrograde

Vacheron Constantin, this year has been all about the retrograde update, with some existing collections getting this feature. One of these collections is the Overseas line.

What is already a stunning timepiece with that gorgeous blue dial, this all-new Overseas model gets the retrograde function. The retrograde display is a historical design for Vacheron Constantin, one that fits beautifully on this timepiece as is also accompanied by a moon phase indicator. Read more about this retrograde update for Vacheron’s Overseas model here!

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen The 8000 Limited Edition

I’ve always been a fan of Montblanc’s Geosphere timepiece. The fact that you get the northern and southern hemispheres on the dial spinning in sync with the day/24hr time was always interesting to see.

Now, Montblanc has given the 1858 Geosphere a new update. Montblanc introduced a new capsule collection that pays tribute to the world’s 14 highest peaks. These mountains are all above 8000 feet and have barely any oxygen, which is the central theme in this new collection. Read more about this latest 1858 Geosphere creation from Montblanc here!

IWC Schaffhausen’s Ingenieur Automatic 40

IWC has given their Ingenieur collection a newly engineered update, which references design codes from Gerald Genta’s Ingenieur SL (ref. 1832) from the 1970s.

The new collection comes with four models, with three models being made from stainless steel and the fourth given the titanium treatment. It takes an old classic and gives it modern design features while also improving wearability and performance. All the right ingredients to make it hit in the world of watchmaking. Read more about IWC’s newest Ingenieur Automatic 40 collection here!

Cartier Skeleton Collection

While this isn’t a singular watch, the entire Cartier Skeleton collection makes it into this list. For this year’s skeleton models update, Cartier is upgrading four new collections, each with their own iconic shape and design.

The Santos-Dumont, Pasha de Cartier, Santos de Cartier, and a grand complications pocket watch are getting aesthetic and mechanical upgrades. With a flawless balance between the movement and dial, Cartier has mastered the art of making skeleton watches, more so evident through this latest collection of skeleton timepieces. Read more about this collection here!

Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton In Black Ceramic

Following on from 2022’s update for the DEFY Skyline models with the new generation of seminal El Primero high-frequency calibre movements, 2023 sees the watches get a new aesthetic upgrade.

Two models in the DEFY Skyline line get a black ceramic makeover, with one of the models being the Skeleton. Crafted entirely in black ceramic, including the bracelet, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton is one of the standout pieces in Zeniths 2023 releases. To read more about this timepiece, click here.

Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 41.5mm Bi-colour

This year, Oris has updated the Aquis collection with new colours and materials. With the combination of the coloured rubber straps, the Oris Aquis Date Calibre Bi-colour for is one of the stand-outs in the collection.

This fun summer timepiece is offered in two dial colour variations (deep blue and forest green) and has an 18-carat fold finish on the edges of the bezel and matching gold details on the dial. Oh, and did we mention that it features Oris’s incredible 5-day power reserve Calibre 400 movement? If this piques your interest, click here to read more!

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

This one for all the racing enthusiasts out there. The iconic and ageless design of the original 1963 Heuer Carrera has inspired this latest creation from the Swiss giant. With a fresh new dynamic styling, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph will be released with two dial variants: a black and blue dial.

The dial carries a lot of colour accents, with them being the gradient orange ring, a reference to racecar speedometers. Each variant of this new Carrera Chronograph has its own character; however, what’s clear is that both timepieces carry the Carrera icon into the next generation with ageless styling and high-quality movements. To find out more about this Carrera Chronograph update, click here.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm Collection

Another collection of timepieces that stood out was Baume & Mercier’s 39mm Riviera line. Released as part of the celebrations of Riviera’s 50^th anniversary, this new collection is offered with different material and dial variations.

Available in either stainless steel with a smoked blue dial or smoked grey sapphire dial or titanium bezel with a smoked grey dial, this new Riviera collection features a beautiful wave transfer decoration on the dial. This latest update for the Riviera collection brings it forward to a new era while keeping all the essence of what makes this piece loved by watch aficionados. To read more about this collection, click here!

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony retrograde day-date is a limited annual production timepiece that has meticulous attention to detail, where minimalism meets technical excellence. The retrograde date complication upgrade seems to be the flavour of the month, with it also being used on the new Overseas retrograde model. The Patrimony retrograde day-date is certainly not a new model in the Patrimony collection, with several releases in pink and white gold cases combined with different coloured dials already available. This is the first time, however, that the Patrimony retrograde day-date is presented in a 950 platinum case with an elegant salmon-coloured dial.

The salmon dial has a sunburst finish, which plays with light beautifully. The retrograde date feature can be found at the top part of the dial, while the retrograde day feature is shown at the 6 o’clock position. Both retrograde indications are made with blue steeled hands to keep with Vacheron Constantin’s traditional design codes. The hour and minute hands are made from 18K white gold and have been subtly curved to match the shape of the domed dial. To match these hands, the hour indices are also done in 18K white gold, which against the salmon dial does stand out well.

Every detail on this dial is done to reflect the aesthetic characteristics symbolic of Vacheron Constantin. Underneath the 12 o’clock hour indication is the emblem of the Maison; a facetted Maltese cross in relief. The Maltese cross comes crafted in 18k 5N pink gold and has facets that are sandblasted on one side while polished on the other, which paints a new light on this iconic symbol. all of this comes enclosed in a 42.5mm 950 platinum case, rated to a water depth of 30m 3 (bar).

The engine driving this new Patrimony retrograde day-date is the in-house self-winding calibre 2460 R31R7/3 movement. The movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) while delivering a power reserve of 40 hours. The timepiece comes with an open case back as with most of Vacheron Constainin’s models. The open case back allows the wearer to see the beautiful finishing of the movement, including hand-polished angles on the bridges, straight-graining, polished screws, circular-grained main plate and the Côtes de Genève motif on the back of the bridges.

To allow the dial to take the centre stage, this Patrimony retrograde day-date is offered on a dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with a calf inner shell. The salmon dial colour and 950 platinum case combination are exclusively associated with timepieces that have an annual limited production, thereby making this Retrograde day-date in the Patrimony collection a special and unique piece.

Reference: 4000U/000P-H003

Specification:

• Case: 42.5mm
• Case Material: 950 platinum
• Dial: Salmon-coloured with sunburst finishing
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
• Movement: Automatic 2460 R31R7/3 calibre
• Power reserve: 40 hours
• Bracelet/Strap: Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with calf inner shell, tone-to-tone stitching, square scales

International Recommended Retail Price: (TBA).

Availability: Exclusively from Vacheron Constantin Boutiques (release date TBA)

Back in 2016, Vacheron Constantin reimagined the Overseas timepiece into a symbol of sporty-chic watchmaking. Keeping the spirit of the original model from 1996, the new Overseas bought together performance, style, high watchmaking and casual elegance. Since then, a number of iterations of the Overseas timepiece have come out and made their own individual mark, but they all kept the same elements intact; the iconic six-sided bezel, in-house automatic movement, and the interchangeable strap/bracelet.

It took Vacheron Constantin several months of research to be able to combine the precision moon phase and a retrograde date into the sporty-elegant stainless steel 41mm case of the Overseas model. It was all about keeping the balance of the visual aspect of the timepiece while providing clean and crisp readability. This Overseas moon phase retrograde date model is a testament that technology and visual elegant style can co-exist.

The Retrograde date display can be found along the top half of the dial, just below the minute track. The date is indicated by a blue arrow-tipped (with SuperLumiNova) hand. What makes this retrograde date complication so special compared Is that where a date wheel makes a circular run throughout the dial, the retrograde date function only completes a partial turn of the dial. The arrow-tipped hand travels along the entire measurement segment and then returns to its starting position (in this case just above 9 o’clock) to start a new journey. In order to maintain its precision, the mechanism had to be designed for shock and wear resistance.

At the 6 o’clock position of the dial is the moon phase, with immaculate attention to detail. The iconic blue lacquered dial that is shown throughout Vacheron Constantin’s models is presented in this timepiece with a velvet flange finish and sunburst satin-brushed center, creating a beautiful play on light. The blue dial is then neatly complimented by the 18K white gold hour-markers, hour, minute, and date hands. All filled with SuperlumiNova for excellent nighttime readability, it also provides a beautiful contrast against the blue dial.

Vacheron Constantin has given this Overseas moon phase retrograde date their in-house self-winding calibre 2460 R31L/2. The movement comprised of 275 components, operates at frequency of 4Hz (28, 800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of 40 hours. Through the open case back, the circular-grained surface of the main plate and the 22k gold oscillating weight with the stylised compass rose is beautifully displayed.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas model has always been a versatile timepiece, combining sportiness with elegance. Now presented with an astronomical complication and a retrograde date display, the overseas collection has broken into new grounds where beauty and technology collide.

Reference: 4000V/210A-B911

Specification:

• Case: 41mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Dial: Translucent blue-lacquered, sunburst satin-brushed base with velvet-finished flange
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 50m (5bar)
• Movement: Automatic 2460 R31L/2
• Power reserve: 40 hours
• Bracelet/Strap: Steel, half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links. Additional Blue calfskin leather with grey stitches or Blue rubber.

International Recommended Retail Price: TBA.

Availability: Exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques. Released TBA.

For the first time, the luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin opened their flagship boutique in Sydney, Australia. This is the second boutique for the brand in Australia. The first one opened in Melbourne in 2019. After a successful year at the Watches of Wonders 2022, releasing some seriously cool watches, the brand wants to extend its success to down under.

Located at 104 King Street, in the heart of the CBD, this three-level luxury boutique showcases what watchmaking is all about. So what will you get to see at this boutique?

The ground floor showcases some of the watches available from Vacheron Constantin’s eight collections, particularly the Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Fiftysix, and the highly sought-after Overseas collection.

The brand currently displays the latest release from the overseas collection, the Panda chronograph.

The second level is where things get interesting. This level is reserved for VIP clients and is the location for a “Strap bar”. This one-of-a-kind strap bar lets clients customise straps of their choice, from selecting the strap colour to the stitching of the leather straps. If that is not enough, clients can also emboss or monogram inside of their leather straps. The second floor is also the location of the in-house watchmaker, who will host watchmaker classes for clients to better understand the watches and the brand.

“It’s a series of agile spaces that respond to the needs of our clientele across Oceania,” says Amy Jackson Lai, director of Vacheron Constantin Oceania. “We are excited to bring a slice of Switzerland to the east coast of Australia”.

The third and top floor is a multi-use space for the brand to host private functions or hands-on workshops for their clients. To celebrate the Flagship boutique opening, this space has been used to display the high-complication heritage pieces flown in from the brand’s headquarters in Switzerland. Out of the many high-complication pieces on display, we have shown snippets of four pieces to indicate what you can find when visiting the boutique.

The first one is the scarab pendant watch. Made from 18k gold, the scarab pendant has green, and black enamel wings with rose-cut diamonds and rubies.

The second is the grand complication 1910 pocket watch with its enamel dial showing the day, date, months, hours, and leap year function.

The third high-complication piece is the Tour de I’lle Grand Complication (2005). Considered one of the most complicated wristwatches in the world, the Tour de I’lle Grand Complication has six complications on a double-face display.

Lastly, the fourth high-complication piece is the Perpetual Calendar retrograde model 47032 (2008). This open-faced timepiece shows the full complexity of the movement underneath whilst also having the date retrograde feature on the dial.

This is a rare opportunity to see all these high-complication watches, so we strongly recommend visiting the boutique. They will be on display until the end of March 2023 before they are flown back to Switzerland.

Boutique Location: 104 King Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.

Contact Number: (02) 7205 6090

Boutique Opening hours:

• Monday — Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm
• Thursday – 10 am – 7 pm
• Friday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
• Sunday – 11 am – 5 pm

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton covers both bases very well, a stunning aesthetic dial while packing a powerful movement underneath. The watch displays complexity and beauty through the open-worked dial, sophistication through the case, while the tourbillon movement provides reliability through an impressive 3-day power reserve. 

Vacheron Constantin has presented the Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton in two variants; an 18K 5N pink gold and the other in Grade 5 titanium. 

Design:

Both variants come in a 42.5mm case size and feature a soft iron casing which ensures anti-magnetic protection. The case has been rated to a water resistance of 50m. The craftmanship on this timepiece is done to the finest detail. The 18k 5N pink gold version has a bezel ring that’s circular satin-brushed and on the Grade 5 titanium model, it’s sandblasted. The case and bracelet of both timepieces are vertically satin-brushed with polished angles on the bracelet links. The shape of the angular links has been inspired by the brand’s logo of the Maltese cross emblem. 

The sapphire crystal on the dial acts as the gateway to the beauty that lies within. On the dial, the hour markers are done in rhodium-plated white gold for the titanium model and 18K 5N pink gold for the model of the same matching case. The hands have used the same materials to match the hour markers. Both the hour indices and hands have Super-LumiNova which lights up the timepiece brightly at night. 

The two variants come with Vacheron Constantin’s interchangeable strap system. The standard strap for each model is black with two 18K 5N pink gold pin buckles for the pink gold timepiece, and a blue with interchangeable titanium folding clasp for the titanium model. 

Movement:

Vacheron Constantin has used the calibre 2160 SQ for both these timepieces. Careful work in the construction of these movements has been carried out to make it as efficient and aesthetic as possible. The skeletonisation of the movement has meant that there was a 20% reduction in the movement’s weight. The architecture of the movement needed to be redone, with the final height coming in at only 5.65mm thin, which is impressive considering there’s a tourbillon involved. 

The open-worked movement features a total of 186 components that has an array of different finishes to make the dial as beautiful as possible. This includes the main plate and bridges which have been finished with fine horizontal grooves, the barrel where its drum and cover have been skeletonised and features a compass rose shape on the dial side, and a peripheral gold oscillating weight just to name a few. The brand has gone the extra length to make sure that even the smalled component deserves the same attention to detail as the ones that can be seen easily from the dial. 

The tourbillon operates by rotating once per minute which gives a frequency of 18,000 VpH (2.5hz). The small seconds’ indicator is also located within the tourbillon carriage and is indicated through a grey screw on the Maltese cross on the pink gold timepiece, and a blue screw on the titanium watch. 

One of the most emblematic Haute Horlogerie complications finally joins Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection. With great attention to detail and a redesigned movement with technical prowess, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton reflects very highly of the brand’s quest for excellence. 

References: 6000V/110R-B934 (Pink Gold), 6000V/110T-B935 (Titanium)

Specification:

• Case: 42.5 mm diameter, 10.39 mm thick
• Case Material: 18K 5N pink gold / Grade 5 Titanium
• Dial: Skeletonised Sapphire dial
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal, anti-reflective coating inside
• Water resistance: 50 meters
• Movement: 2160 SQ, Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
• Power reserve: Approximately 80 hours of power reserve
• Strap: 18K 5N pink gold bracelet / Grade 5 Titanium (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by an 18K 5N pink gold / Grade 5 Titanium triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: References: 6000V/110R-B934 (Pink Gold) – $263,000.00 AUD, 6000V/110T-B935 (Titanium) -$226,000.00 AUD

Availability: From April 2022

Since 2006, the brand has been known for its Collection Excellence Platine, which was made up of specifically limited edition timepieces that had cases made from the noble metal; platinum. Following on from this same level of exclusivity, Vacheron Constantin has given the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar chronograph the platinum treatment, along with a beautiful salmon-coloured dial. 

Back in the old days of classical watchmaking, coloured dials were thought of as a symbol of elegance. Vacheron Constantin continues to uphold this symbol of elegance by creating timepieces with incredible attention to detail. The combination of using a platinum case with a salmon-coloured dial is not something that hasn’t been done before by the brand. This combination forms an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s heritage, as previous historic models had the same combination design. However, this combination is only reserved for watches that are produced in limited quantities and to be sold exclusively only through the brand’s boutiques. 

Design:

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle perpetual calendar chronograph comes in a 43mm 950 Platinum case, with a water resistance of 30m. The chronograph pushers and crown are all made from 950 platinum. The timepiece carries a traditional design, as the name suggests. This means that several traditional design codes are used, which include the Dauphine-type hands, a railway-type minutes track, and the stepped case with distinctive fluting on the back. 

Vacheron Constantin takes pride in making sure that the legibility of the dial and its functions is crystal clear. This is where the attention to detail comes in, making sure that the dial is not too cluttered and each element can be easy to read. For this latest release, the time indications and hour indices are done in white gold hands, which against the salmon dial stands out beautifully. The chronograph and date functions of the perpetual calendar are displayed by blued steel hands. 

The 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and the small constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock are down in a perfectly balanced symmetrical arrangement on the dial. The date counter at 6 o’clock is enlarged as it also showcases the moon phases on a platinum disc. The day, month, and leap year cycle readings can be found on apertures in the upper part of the dial, below the Vacheron Constantin logo. Along the outer edge of the dial, the tachymeter scale can be found. 

The attention to detail throughout the dial is immaculate. The salmon-coloured small seconds and chronograph subdials stand out from the main dial through a circular satin-brushed ring with a finely snailed centre. The platinum disc which shows the moon phases also has raised moons that are polished and has stars that appear against a frosted background. Another fine detail that is quite important is the Maltese cross that is beneath the 12 o’clock hour-maker is made from 18k 5N pink gold, which has facets on each arm that is sandblasted on one side with the other side being polished. 

Movement:

The engine behind the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar chronograph is Vacheron Constantin’s manual-winding Calibre 1142 QP. The Calibre 1142 QP is a chronograph and perpetual calendar movement and is thought of as a highly prized historical movement among watch collectors. The movement operates at a frequency of 3hz (21, 600 VpH) and can give out a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The attention to detail is not only on the dial on this watch. With the open case back, particular attention has been paid to the finishing of the movement to showcase this year’s theme for the brand. The finishings include circular-grained main plate, Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges, straight-grained flanks, and hand-bevelled components. 

The timepiece comes with a dark blue Mississippiensis alligator strap as standard. With the strap being dark blue, it contrasts well against the salmon-coloured dial. Updating an iconic timepiece by giving it the brand’s ‘royal’ treatment, the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar chronograph is a new classically inspired timepiece, now donning the platinum case with a salmon-coloured dial combination. The timepiece will be available in limited annual production and can be purchased exclusively through Vacheron Constantin boutiques. 

Reference: 5000T/000P-B975

Specification:

• Case: 43 mm diameter, 12.94 mm thick
• Case Material: 950 platinum
• Dial: Salmon-coloured opaline, 950 Platinum moon disc, 18K white gold applied hour-markers and hour and minute hands
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal and transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Water resistance:30 meters
• Movement: 1142 QP, Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
• Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours of power reserve
• Strap: Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales, 950 platinum folding clasp Polished half Maltese cross-shaped 

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $217,000.00 AUD

Availability: Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques

Vacheron Constantin has vast experience in creating thin timepieces. Their knowledge and history of thin timepieces go back to as early as the 1930s, when the brand started creating ultra-thin pocket watches. Then during the 1950s, Vacheron Constantin released timepieces that during this generation were thought of as the thinnest watches in the market. In more modern times, the brand’s Overseas collection stood out in 2016 for its ultra-thin Overseas perpetual calendar timepiece. 

Now for Watches & Wonders 2022, Vacheron Constantin is reimagining the Overseas Perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton with a new dial colour for the pink gold case. Vacheron Constantin has given this latest Overseas Perpetual Calendar ultra-thin a stunning blue dial colour. This is however not the first time the blue has been used on the Overseas Perpetual Calendar ultra-thin. On the white gold version of this timepiece, the same blue has been used to beautiful effect. A white dial 18K 5N pink gold version of this model exists as well. Upon Overseas Perpetual Calendar ultra-thin’s release, it won the Calendar and Astronomy Watch prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2020.

Design:

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton blue dial comes in the 41.5mm 18K 5N pink gold case which has a water resistance of 50m. The bracelet is also done in matching 18K 5N pink gold, with the Maltese cross used as the inspiration for the design on the bracelet links. 

While the case and bracelet design are impressive, the dial is where all the attention belongs too. As per previous iterations of this model, the dial is fully skeletonised while only showing the necessary parts of the sub-counters, as they have been skeletonised as well. Where this model differs from the previous pink gold version is the use of blue on any visible dial surface. The minute track and perpetual calendar counters have used blue as the background. The moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock also has blue for the night sky, which matches beautifully with the rest of the counters. The blue against the 18K 5N pink gold works well and provides great contrast for the sub-counter inscriptions. 

The process of skeletonising a watch is no easy work. Vacheron Constantin states this as well by saying “skeletonisation is extremely complex to perform and is indeed a specialised field taught in watchmaking schools. The task consists in open working a mechanical movement by hollowing out its components without compromising their reliability. This quest for transparency coupled with a high-flying precision exercise is mastered by only a few watchmakers”. 

All the parts of the movement in this timepiece have been hollowed out, finished, and decorated to the finest detail. The attention to detail by Vacheron Constantin and their artisans goes above and beyond as not only do they perfect the parts visible from the eye, but those that also remain hidden from sight. 

Movement:

The engine behind this Overseas Perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton blue dial is the Calibre 1120 QPsQ/1 movement. This movement with the perpetual calendar movement is extremely thin, measuring in at only 4.05mm! The movement has had its entire components finished by hand, to have chamfered edges, satin-brushed finishes, circular-brushed finishes, and sunburst or circular-grained decoration depending on the location of the component in relation to the heart of the calibre.

On the case back the same attention to detail and hand-finished work can be seen. The main attraction is the open-worked oscillating weight which is made from 22K gold and shaped like the Maltese cross. The movement operates at a frequency of 2.75Hz (19,800 VpH) and gives out a steady power reserve of approximately 40 hours. 

A watch that is a fan favourite and celebrated for its impressive ultra-thin skeletonised design, the Overseas Perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton in 18k 5N pink gold finally gets its blue dial variant. The timepiece comes as standard in the 18k 5N pink gold bracelet, however, if one wishes to change the appearance, an additional calfskin leather strap and rubber strap, each with an 18k 5N pink gold pin buckle is given. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual calendar ultra-thin skeleton pink gold blue dial is only exclusively available from the brand’s boutiques. 

Reference: 4300V/120R-B642

Specification:

• Case: 41.5 mm diameter, 8.1 mm thick
• Case Material: 18K 5N pink gold
• Dial: Sapphire, 18K 5N pink gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with Super-LumiNova®
• Crystal: Sapphire Crystal, anti-reflective coating inside
• Water resistance: 50 meters
• Movement: 1120 QPSQ/1 – Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
• Power reserve: 40 Hours
• Strap: 18K 5N pink gold bracelet (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by an 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system. Blue calf leather strap with white stitches. Blue rubber. Each additional strap comes with an 18K 5N pink gold buckle

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $211,000.00 AUD

Availability: Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques

Vacheron Constantin currently has two models in their collection that feature the complete calendar complication; the Fifty-Six Complete Calendar and the Traditionelle Complete Calendar. This latest timepiece released by the brand is an updated version of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, now coming with an open dial. 

As the name suggests, the watch is exactly that. A skeletonised version of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar that now shows much of the beautiful movement underneath. 

Design:

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Open Face comes in either a white gold or pink gold 41mm case with 30-meter water resistance. The dial can seem quite complex at first look, however, every complication is broken down into different sections of the dial. Firstly the date can be seen outside the minute track on the outer part of the dial. There is a separate date pointer hand that indicates the date. 

The counter shown at 3 o’clock position shows the current month, while the counter at 9 o’clock shows the day of the week. Lastly, we have the moon phase indicator shown at the 6 o’clock position. The month counter and day of the week counter are see-through so that the movement and beautiful gold gears underneath can be seen. Visibility of the indicators has given way to show more the movement. 

The hour and minute hands along with the baton-style hour indices are all done in pink gold which certainly helps them stand out in this complicated dial. If you are a fan of skeleton timepieces then this will certainly be up your alley. For others, however, with the multiple complications combined with being able to see the movement, the dial may just be too busy.

Movement:

The movement used for the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Open Face is the caliber 2460 QCL/2 which is a different version of the 2460 QCL. The 2460 QCL movement is used in the standard Traditionnelle Complete Calendar timepiece. The difference between the two movements is the finishing of the parts. The 2460 QCL/2 movement now features anthracite finishing on the plate and bridges. The 2460 QCL/2 movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH and has a minimum power reserve of approximately 40-hours. Vacheron Constantin is known for exceptional finishing and artistic work, and the case back is no different. 

The rotor featuring the brand’s logo has also been skeletonised to show as much of the movement from underneath as possible. The different colours of the jewels, lettering, gears, and anthracite finishing make the case back quite appealing. 

Vacheron Constantin is one of the few manufacturers still making complete Calendar complications, and they certainly haven’t dropped the ball in producing excellent timepieces while trying to push the boundaries of aesthetics. 

Australian Retail Pricing: 68,000.00 AUD

Availability: Now