Exclusively available in Mexico in a 5-piece limited edition, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time Mexico Limited Edition follows the steps of the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time Unique Piece that was created for Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History —INAH— back in 2013. The INAH Unique Piece was auctioned during the SIAR 2013 at a gala dinner in Mexico City with all proceeds going to the INAH in order to continue to support and promote the recovery of the national heritage of Mexico.
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time Mexico is pretty much like a Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time ref. 86060 we reviewed here but with a green seconds hand and a 24-hour ring with green numerals and green night indicator in the exact same hue as the green in the Mexican flag. Much nicer and eye-catching that its unique piece predecessor, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle World Time Mexico Limited Edition provides the time for all 37 different time zones including those that are affected by half or quarter hour increments. Featuring a case in 18K rose gold, this Mexican limited edition is the fifth version of the Traditionnelle World Time ref. 86060 and exclusively sold in Mexico. Regardless, we think that if you are seriously interested, any Vacheron Constantin boutique in the world could get one. As far as we know, there are still a couple pieces left.
The Dial
Just like on the Vacheron Constantin ref. 86060, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle World Time Mexico Limited Edition is powered by an automatic movement capable of indicating not only the full time zones, but also the partial ones. The wearer chooses the reference time and places it opposite the black triangle at 6 o’clock.
The time in the reference location can then be read off either by the hour hand, or by the 24-hour disc, while the time in the other 36 time zones is simultaneously readable. The cities shown in black represent the full time zones, while the cities in red indicate half-hour or quarter-hour zones.
While the dial is definitely busy —a major concern for those interested in buying this watch—, in reality it just takes a little time for the eyes to get adjusted to it and reading time across 37 time zones is not as challenging as it might seem initially. While the only difference is the green color on the dial and seconds hand, for some reason the dial comes to life much more in this particular limited edition.
The dial consists of five different parts: a sapphire dial at the center with a day-night shading, a 24-hour indication ring —indications in white over a green background for nighttime and white with green numerals for daytime—, a metal middle dial with the names of all 37 cities, a “Lambert projector” type gold map unveiling sun-brushed continents as well as sand-blasted seas; and lastly a metal outer ring with painted minute-track and applied gold hour-markers.
The Movement
The beating heart inside the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time Mexico Limited Edition is the same Vacheron Constantin automatic in-house calibre 2460 WT powering the ref. 86060 composed of 255 parts and 27 jewels. Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz —28,800 vph— the movement provides a 40-hour power reserve when fully wound. But what makes this limited edition even more appealing and exciting —especially if you are from Mexico— is the special guilloché motif that was added to the 22K gold oscillating weight. This time, instead of the barleycorn —à grains d'orge— guilloché motif that appears on the regular ref. 86060, Vacheron Constantin has opted to create a map of Mexico in a remarkable way.
On the Wrist & Pricing
Incorporating all the signature characteristics of the Traditionnelle collection with its slender bezel, a display case back and dauphine hands— the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle World Time Mexico Limited Edition is fitted with a dark brown alligator leather strap with a matching 18K 5N rose gold half Maltese cross-shaped double-folding clasp. On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with remarkable wrist presence just like all other iterations of the World Time ref. 860060.
Sticker Price $50,000 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
