The Vacheron Constantin ref. 43040features an unconventional, visually appealing way of displaying time. With only 150 pieces made inplatinumbetween 1993 and 1995,the manufacturetook inspiration from the jumping hours complication of the past.

Thejumping hours complication

For a remarkably long period, time has been displayed in a predictable and familiar manner, with the help of an hour and minute hand. However, over time, some watchmakers have challenged this approach.One of these alternatives can be found in, which usually feature a series of discs in different configurations, which jump at certain transitions, hence their name.

In 1925, a Swiss watchmaker by the name ofRobert Cart patented ajumpinghours complication,known as the Chronoscope. His approach featured anhour indicator, which moved around the dial, pointing at the correct minutes. His design became impressively popular during this period, and wasadopted by Breguet,Cartierand Vacheron Constantin,amongst others. The unconventional time display suited the Art Deco period perfectly, with its forward-thinking aesthetic and geometric lines. Vacheron Constantin used the complication insome of their pocket watches, as well as a handful of wristwatches, such as the ref. 3189, made in 1930.

A few decades later, the manufacture resuscitated the design, withthe ref. 43040.As a starting point,theyused the mythicalJaeger-LeCoultre 920, which was the thinnest automatic movement in the world when it first came out in 1967.They then developed their ownjumping hours mechanism, creating the calibre 1120HS.Between 1993 and 1995, Vacheron Constantin only produced around 250 pieces in yellow gold and 150 pieces in platinum, making these pieces as rare as they are unusual.

An unconventional design

This Jumping Hours 43040 takes inspiration from its Art Decopredecessors, imbuing it with a certain vintage, nostalgic aesthetic. A small window at 12 o'clock displays the hours, in a cursive, playful font. Meanwhile, an aperture runs around the whole circumference of the dial, allowing for a black onyx pointer to indicate the correct minutes. When the hour changes, the disc at 12 o'clock satisfyingly jumps into place. The three-dimensionality of the dialcreates some interesting effects when itinteracts with the light at different angles, whilst on the wrist.

The dial layout of this Jumping Hoursis aesthetically satisfying in its richness, with ample details to get lost in.The centre features a subtle guilloch, applied by hand, which is broken up by the "Vacheron Constantin Genve" and "Automatic" signatures. Thehour markersand the window surrounding the hours are made out ofwhite gold, bringing some further richness to the overall aesthetic.

Theplatinum case features a stepped bezel and straight lugs, reminiscent of those found on some vintage pieces. At 36mm in diameter and less than 8mm thick, thisref. 43040sits comfortably on the wrist, perfectly fulfilling its roles as a dress watch. It also features a sapphire caseback, which allows for theCaliber 1120HSto be admired.

The movement

ThisVacheron Constantin ref. 43040is powered by the1120HS, derived fromJaeger-LeCoultres mythical ultra-thin. Thecaliber 920was an initial project ofJaeger LeCoultrein 1967, funded and contributed byAudemars Piguet, and famous for its adoption byAudemars Piguet,Patek PhilippeandVacheron Constantin

The ultra-thin automatic 1120HS calibre features 36 working jewels, and four ruby wheels to support the full-diameter rotor, which runs on a beryllium rail for stability.Vacheron Constantinalso replaced thefree-sprung Gyromax balancefrom the originalJaeger-LeCoultremovement with anindex regulator. The rotor is decorated with Geneva stripes and edged with 21-carat gold, to increase the oscillating mass.

The Set

The watch is accompanied byits outer box, inner leather pouch, Archival Extract and servicing receipt, dated May 2021.It also comes with our bespoke grained leather strap in taupe, in addition to its black alligator strap fromVacheron Constantin and the corresponding platinum tang buckle.

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Closer look