yesjb
586
New Acquisition
In 2006, I visited the new Vacheron Manufacture just outside of Geneva for the first time. One of the watches that caught my eye was the new Tribute to the Great Explorers. I saw it for the first time (the Magellan version), in a disassembled state and marveled at the mechanical movement that Vacheron had created, or rather completely reworked from the JLC 889.
With its 3 satellite arms, each holding 4 digits, mounted on cams in the shape of Vacheron’s Maltese cross rotating around a dental axis like planets around the sun and each digit like a moon in orbit around its planet. In turn each digit would sweep the 132 degree bi-level gap to indicate the time.
To me this unique alternate time display was nothing short of “magical thinking”.
From that time it was a quest to obtain one for myself. Being, in 2006, a real neophyte in the watch-collecting world, I thought it could wait before I gave it any more serious consideration. What a mistake! I had missed at least two other opportunities and now, finally, after 6 years, opportunity came knocking again.
Our esteemed moderator, Bill Lind, knew I loved this watch. We had discussed it before. Then one day, a few months ago, out of the blue, he called to inform me that he had one available. I could hesitate no more. It seemed to be an auspicious conjunction since I knew I would be at a conference in Boston at the end of September (Columbus Day weekend- how fitting!)
Several articles, including fantastic photographs have already been written. They cover the details better than I ever could. But I will add my modest voice.
In the metal it is a real work of art and a most appropriate partner for my Mercator of the Iberian Peninsula.
Enjoy!
Joseph
New Acquisition
Huge congratulations. The " Explorateurs " is a true piece of art.
Sorry here are the links:
Congratulations, Joseph!!
Many thanks,
Arrggghhhh!
Thanks very much, Robert
You are my hero Joseph!
Congratulations,
Many thanks
