Now, you could be forgiven for thinking that all this openworking is about prettying up the movement. Certainly, openworking does not add any functions nor improve functionality, but it does provide watchmakers with the not insignificant challenge of ensuring the integrity and strength of the movement, even after as much material as possible has been carved away. This year, Vacheron Constantin demonstrates the sturdiness of its builds with the Patrimony Traditionelle 14-Day Tourbillon Openworked.

According to Vacheron Constantin, the plan was to completely rework the tradition of openworking, but Vacheron Constantin has also succeeded in creating a world’s first.  As far as we can tell, this the first time a manual movement, calibre 2260, with tourbillon and 14-day power reserve has been openworked. Now designated as calibre 2260 SQP, the level of craftsmanship applied by the watchmakers in fashioning the ornate aesthetics of the movement is simply astounding.

Briefly, instead of the conventional engraving following the lines of the movement components, here, some elements form what the manufacture calls “Gothic-inspired ribbed vaults, disrupting lines and destructuring curves.” From what we can see, the three-dimensional nature of the 6.8mm thick movement is enlivened by this approach, with calibre 2260 SQP showing a strong interplay between light and shadow.

While no further details have been released at this time about how much longer this new technique takes to finish, compared with more traditional means, the manufacture has details on the work compared with the base movement. Each example of calibre 2260 SQP requires 10 additional hours of chamfering and hand-filing, as well as 40 hours of engraving. Fittingly, the 42mm Patrimony Traditionelle 14-Day Tourbillon Openworked is cased in platinum 950 (S$525,000).