Imbued with Vacheron Constantin's relentless march towards showcasing the craftsmanship and watchmaking know-how required to create their timepieces, the Traditionnelle collection is one of the brand's most aesthetically consistent and jaw-droppingly beautiful modern offerings. Amongst the collection's litany of Haute Horlogerie variants are some understated references that typify Vacheron Constantin's often restrained aesthetic while featuring a beautiful construction, much like the Traditionnelle Boutique edition ref. 82172/000R-9888 that I have here.
Featuring the Traditionnelle's characteristic round case in 18ct pink gold, this beauty blends clean lines and entirely polished surfaces to create a classical feel on the wrist while exhibiting the warmth of its case material to its full potential. Weighing in at comfortable 38m in diameter, this variant fits perfectly on the wrist as it hearkens back to the dress watches of old while remaining practical as a contemporary timepiece. With a screw-down exhibition caseback, the Boutique edition ref. 82172 displays its incredible cal. 4400AS movement complete with its exquisitely finished Cotes de Geneve-embellished bridges, finely polished countersunk screws and jewels, and stunning beveled edges.
Opposing this immaculately finished movement is the Boutique edition ref. 82172's centerpiece, its silver guilloche engraved dial. Fitted with 18ct pink gold dial furniture in the form of stick index hour markers and dauphine hands, this dial's secret is the truly mesmerizing pattern that radiates out from its core. With a running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock that features a concentric engraving, this dial's visual depth, abundance of detail, and impressive craftsmanship are genuinely staggering. Exclusive to boutiques, and thus a rare offering amongst Vacheron's catalog, this timepiece is a stark reminder of the reason why Vacheron Constantin finds itself so firmly rooted in the Holy Trinity. While their reign as the longest continually running watchmaker in the world is undoubtedly an impressive claim to fame, it is timepieces like this that genuinely demonstrate just where that horological know-how has been deployed.
