Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Vacheron Constantin Malte Dual Time Regulator.

Maltese Cross. The Malte Collection of Vacheron Constantin bears the name of the emblem of the company - the Maltese Cross. The Maltese cross was originally used as the symbol of the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Malta. Today the Maltese Cross is the international symbol of the Fire Fighters dedication and willingness to make great sacrifices in order to protect others from the ravages of fire. While this has little to do with watchmaking, it is fair to say that Vacheron Constantin's use of the Maltese Cross also makes it a symbol of dedication to the creation of the finest timepieces in the world.


Vacheron Constantin Malte Dual Time Regulator. The regulator watch design was inspired by early marine chronometers. This design features separate axes for the hour, minute and seconds hands. Separate axes were used to reduce the amount of mechanical energy required to drive the gears and friction, in an effort at improving a movement's precision. Like the Tourbillon, it turned out to unnecessary complication, and did not replace the conventional watch design.

Regulator watches are still manufactured today, examples of which are IWC's Portugeuse Regulateur and Oris' Regulateur “Der Meistertauche." Vacheron's Regulator design watch is the Malte Dual Time Regulator. While serving no practical purpose, the Regulator design is a homage to watchmaking history.

Vacheron Constantin regulator watch, also adds the additional complication of displaying the time in two different time zones. The main dial displays the minutes, while the local time zone is displayed by an elegant sub-dial at the 12 o'clock position. The second tim ezone is displayed by a 24-hour hand in a sub-dial at the 9 o'clock position. At the 6 o'clock position, two small hands display continuous seconds and the date.

The Malte Dual Time Regulator design in a is a classic officers case with a diameter of 38mm. The watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 1206 RDT movement which produces 28,800 vibrations per hour. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.

The watch is available in white, yellow and rose gold.

About Vacheron Constantin. Vacheron Constantin was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron. This makes it the oldest watch manufacturer in the world with an uninterrupted history.

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