The Vacheron Constantin Malte Small Seconds
A dress watch is a quintessential piece in any collection. Patek’s Calatrava, Lange’s Saxonia, Journe’s Chronometre Bleu, and Vacheron’s Patrimony all sell for around $20,000, are known for their superb quality, and are downright dapper. These watches exemplify fine Swiss watchmaking, but aside from Journe’s use of tantalum, are they that unusual? This is why I admire Vacheron’s Malte.
The Malte is a simple, tonneau-shaped wristwatch reminiscent of Vacheron’s creations dating back to the early twentieth century. There’s really not much out there like it. The Caliber 4400 AS, the same movement found in the Patrimony Traditionnelle and the American 1921, powers the Malte. Aside from standard hours, minutes and seconds, the manual-wound 4400 AS features a 65-hour power reserve and a thickness of only 2.80 millimeters. On the other hand, the case measures 36.70 (basically 37) millimeters by 42 millimeters—a contemporary look and a not-too-delicate feel. I’d say, “white gold is the way to go” with this watch. White metals have proven to be more sought-after, especially with Vacheron. For more information, please visit:www.vacheron-constantin.com.
Luke Rottman (Executive Editor: thewatchadviser.com)