Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph Pulsometer, Ref. 5300S-000R-B124
Today, Vacheron Constantin released a host of all new Harmony watches and they are among the most beautiful timepieces of 2016. While there are 10 new versions for men and women, revolving around five functions, there is only one that steals my heart with grand intensity. The Harmony monopusher Chronograph with pulsometer has one of the most stunning vintage-inspired dials to be reinterpreted by the brand.
The watch is a reincarnation of an original 1928 chronograph, which also served as the impetus for the first limited edition Harmony watches unveiled last year in honor of the brand’s 260th anniversary. Those watches quickly sold out, so the new timepieces are being offered as standard in the brand’s line – and are available for sale now.
Back to this particular piece, Ref. 5300S/000R-B124. The 18-karat 5N pink gold cushion-shaped case measures a very nice 42mm x 52mm and is just 12.81mm in thickness. It houses the brand’s manual-winding Calibre 3300, developed in house and offering 65 hours of power reserve. The 252-part movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and is meticulously finished according to the highest standards – with all its beauty visible via a sapphire case back. In fact, even the chronograph gears are cut out to form the Maltese cross shape that is the brand’s iconic logo.
The dial of the Harmony Chronograph Pulsometer is a study in grand vintage reinterpretation
While the movement is beautiful, it is the dial that steals my breath away. The vintage inspired silver opaline dial with black numerals and flack minute track is further enhanced with a rich burgundy graduated pulsometer scale painted around the rim of the dial. This scale, based on vintage medical watches, is designed to calculate the pulse based on 30 heartbeats. The center of the dial is nicely balanced with the 45-minute (instead of a 30-minute) chronograph counter and the subsidiary seconds counter – both outlined in rose gold. Finally the meticulously shaped rose gold hands offer a grand appeal.
The watch is water resistant to 30 meters — though I don’t think I would take this beauty out in the depths. Like all of the Vacheron Constantin’s timepieces being built today, this one holds the Hallmark of Geneva certification. It retails for $65,800.
Vacheron Constantin Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph Ref. 5100S-000R-B125
Of course the brand also unveils the new $245,000 Harmony Tourbillon Chronograph and $41,000 Complete Calendar watches (my second and third love in the new line), and you can read about them in my Perfect Timing column on Forbes.com.
Harmony Complete Calendar
Additionally, a run down of many of the other pieces, including diamond versions for women, can be found in our article on HauteTime.
Harmony dual time small model 7805S/000G-B155
