Perhaps one of the rarest birds we’ve run in the past decade is the Vacheron Constantin Kalla Lord ref. 35711 timepiece which features no less than 316 emerald-cut diamonds, including 26 set into the dial. All gemstones have been carefully matched for uniform clarity, color, and cut. Totaling 55 carats in all and forming 8,216 gleaming facets, they are mounted on 140 grams of solid 18K white gold. The watch crystal is made of corundum, the hardest natural substance after diamond, and an iconic watch from the early 1980s.
A successor to the Kallista introduced in 1979 and the Kalla in 1980, the Kalla Lord was presented as the option for men who wanted to wear a luminous treasure on the wrist and the best that money could buy at the time. This year, Vacheron Constantin decided to revive the Kalla in a new iteration named The Grand Lady Kalla adding yet another dazzling new chapter to this tradition. The Kalla in all of its forms including the Kalla Lord is an outstanding example of Vacheron Constantin's creative freedom and expertise.
The History of the Kalla
In 1979, Vacheron Constantin made watchmaking history with the Kallista, whose opulence —starring 130 carats of diamonds— was matched only by the innovation of Raymond Morretti's design, a geometric rivière carved out of a solid gold ingot from which the watch's 140 grams were drawn. Issued as a single-piece edition, it was the world’s most expensive watch creation.
Its descendants were no less spectacular, as exemplified by the Kalla unveiled in 1980. Also sculpted from a block of 18K yellow gold sparkling with 108 emerald-cut diamonds totaling around 30 carats, the watch became so iconic that it inspired an eponymous collection whose singular creations have earned unanimous acclaim. One notable example is the white gold Lady Kalla with a satin strap, which won the Jewellery Watch award at the first Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2001. Nine years later in 2010, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Lady Kalla, the Lady Kalla Flamme was presented, glowing with the fire of 57-facet diamonds and inaugurating the Flame cut, devised by Vacheron Constantin and duly approved by the GIA —Gemological Institute of America.
The Kalla Lord ref. 35711
A masterpiece of watch and jewelry craftsmanship, the Kalla Lord by Vacheron Constantin is individually numbered and came with a certificate of authenticity back when it was released. Powered by one of the smallest manual wound movements in the world, the Vacheron Constantin calibre 1052, the watch offered 30-meter water resistance despite its high jewelry architecture. Probably no more than half a dozen examples of this watch were ever produced. The 18K white gold case and bracelet measure about 25 mm across —and throughout— with any real tapering. From stock, the watch fits comfortably on a wrist with a circumference up to 8 inches.
Its bracelet and dial are a work of art and set with 316 emerald cut-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 55 carats. The purity, color, and proportions are as uniform as it gets. The whole bracelet and case are carved from a whole block of 18K white gold with a total weight of one kilo —1,000 grams or about 2.2 pounds—, and then reduced to about 140 grams at the end. From top to bottom, this is one of those watches —or perhaps better called a high jewelry time-telling bracelet— that takes your breath away.
The dial is composed of 26 emerald cut-shaped diamonds, each one perfectly set and adjusted and the watch crystal instead of being made of sapphire, was made of corundum with a 9-degree resistance only slightly less hard than a diamond.
On the wrist, the watch is out of this world wearing elegantly and effortlessly, exuding sophistication and luxury. The intricate craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in the design create a dazzling effect that catches the light from every angle.
The exquisite use of diamonds elevates the timepiece to a piece of wearable art. Despite its opulent appearance, a high jewelry watch can be surprisingly versatile, seamlessly transitioning from daytime to evening wear. The weight of the watch feels substantial yet comfortable, a constant reminder of the exceptional quality and prestige of the piece.
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