Vacheron Constantin

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[VC Moderator]
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End of an era...

Vacheron Constantin launched the Malte collection a decade ago with a bang, introducing its first  in-house tourbillon caliber in the Malte Tonneau Tourbillon and its first manual-winding chronograph with perpetual calendar in the reference 47112. The Malte Dual Time Regulator and Malte Big-Date rounded out the collection. A year later VC introduced its manual winding caliber 1400 in the Malte Grande Classique. Over the years serveral other outstanding models entered the line, but then the brand decided to focus the Malte line on tonneau cases and move its round watches into the Patrimony collection.

One of the last models introduced was the Malte Power Reserve and Date, an attractive watch based on the caliber 1400. It is offered in rose and white gold cases that are 38 mm in diameter. I think the swtich to the hands from the 250th anniversary collection, from the swordblade hands that had been the rule, works well (and also seen in the Excellence Platine Malte watches from 2007):

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for these round Malte watches, as I think they signify a major turning point for VC. In the 1990's the brand had been looking backwards, as indicated with its "Les Essentials" and "Les Historiques" collections. With the introduction of the Malte collection and the establishment of VC as a true manufature, they were clearly looking forwards.

Which Malte model is/was your favorite?

Bill