Vacheron Constantin Royal Eagle Chronograph

Vacheron Constantin Royal Eagle Chronograph

Alongside a fine steel model now comes the Royal Eagle chronograph in 18K pink gold, underscoring the personality and prestige of an exceptional timepiece. Testifying to centuries of horological expertise, its Vacheron Constantin calibre 1137 selfwinding mechanical movement features various auxiliary mechanisms, or "complications", displayed on a dial face with a striking contemporary layout. The chronograph mechanism includes a centre seconds hand advancing in one-tenth-of-a-second increments along with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers at 3 and at 9 o'clock respectively. The date is read in a pair of oversized calendar windows at 12 o'clock while the running seconds are shown in a subdial at 6 o'clock. The movement itself features decorative "Côtes de Genève" ribbing in the finest tradition of Genevan watchmaking. A novel aspect of the Royal Eagle chronograph dial is the 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers' tonneau shape, recalling that of the case and endowing the dial face with a trim, "technical" look that befits a first-class timing instrument. Hour markers and Arabic numerals in applied 18K gold - pink for the gold model and white for the steel-cased design - bring the charm of original 1920s-vintage Vacheron Constantin calligraphy to an already arresting dial face. Swordblade-shaped hour and minute hands, overlaid with Superluminova® luminous compound on the steel version, add a further touch of originality to this impressive Royal Eagle design. The steel version comes with a choice of silver-hued or slate-coloured dial face. The discreet gleam of a silver-hued 18K gold dial contributes a unique touch to the pink gold version of the chronograph. The dial face itself bears an exclusive engine-turned pyramid-patterned texture that contrasts to superb effect with the subdials' smooth sheen. Water-resistant to 50 m (~ 165 feet), the case is fitted with a back plate secured by screws and a cambered, glare proofed sapphire crystal. Typical bracelet horns, a crown bearing the corporate "Maltese cross" symbol and trapeze-shaped pushpieces complete the Royal Eagle chronograph's unmistakable personality. The design furthermore comes with a choice of steel bracelet with arched, smoothly articulated links or with a padded and hand-stitched strap in alligator mississipiensis leather with deployment clasp in matching steel or pink gold.