Vacheron Constantin

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

I feel a bit of nostalgia to hear the VC decided to replace the Malte Round watches for the Patrimony.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the Patrimony is an " ugly " family.

BUT, I loved much more the Malte.

Take, for example, the new Patrimony Chrono.

Personally, I much prefer the Malte Chrono to it.

These Lugs are, to me, such a strong VC characteristic !

The new Patrimony Chrono is too clean, too " straight ", but less charming, compared to the previous model.

The same for the Malte skeleton, compared to the Patrimony skeleton, too.

When I saw, at the beginning of this year, the Patrimony Chrono, and Chrono PC, I felt a bit ...Nostalgic, indeed.

Let's not forget these beautiful watches!

Best,

Nicolas

The dual time is my favorite in the Malte range!

The regulator or the Tonneau cased one?

No message body

and equally love the LE Chrono in platinum.

No message body

No message body

Had it for slightly over a year now and each time I wear it ,it brings a  to my face.Delightful to wind and chrono pusher action is sublime.The lugs,buckle are so unique to this watch. Some quick pics:

Thks for looking.

cheers

fernando

I love the textured dial on this chronograph. This is one of those watches that I like even more now that it is unavailable!

 

Bill

Brilliant watch my friend.

Best,

Jed

No message body

I've always liked those lugs.
They are a beautiful design harking back to the Art Deco period.
Here are a few examples:

While I'm looking back fondly at these round Malte watches, I am also quite excited by the current set of watches in the Patrimony collection. I think the lugs of the Patrimony Traditionnelle are just as interesting, if more subtle.

I also like how the tonneau shaped Malte line is now moving.

 

Bill

... from a business point of view, the Malte is one of the major and more recognisable lines for VC...

What's their reasoning?

it was difficult fo them to have a Malte line which had both tonneau and round models.

Thanks Alex.. While I understand the reason for having a name correspond to a shape, I think originally the Malte series is round, until they renamed the Royal Eagle series into Malte Tonneau, which was the bad move in my opinion, and now totally confused this line up.

tonneau watch: The tourbillon which had the same case as the Royal Eagle models. I agree with you as this whole name thing was a mess!

My favorite of the Malte line was the Malte Grand Classique and its wonderful 1400 caliber, the amazing guilloche and the hands like spade was for me a simple but at the same time lovely watch!
I am planning to buy the new Patrimony Traditionelle with 4400 caliber, but the Malte line was great, with the Perpetual Calender, the Malte Chrono, etc...IMHO I do not like the tonneau shape.

Cheers

AJ

I was thinking about that subject just a few days ago... I am very sad that the round Malte case is being discontinued - as you said, it is the end of an era. I started to be passionate about watches at about the same time as the Malte collection was released, and so for me, the Malte collection has always been VC's defining/iconic collection. I understand the rationale for VC's decision, and I know that things have to move on, but I will surely miss those lovely lugs... My favorite model? Without a shadow of a doubt the Malte Perpetual Calendar Excellence Platine, ref 47212:

Cheers, Francois

This one, or the last one ( Excellence series ) are superb!

This moonphase on your example is a pure moment of poetry.

Best,

Nicolas

Je ne me lasse jamais de la voir!
I never tire of seeing that beauty!
JB

I appreciate the nice comments!

The Malte collection was and still is one of my favourite range of VC timepieces.

And your photos, say more then a thousand words.