Vacheron Constantin’s 20th anniversary celebration concludes with the new Patrimony self-winding reference in a 100-piece limited edition, the result of a collaboration with designer Ora ïto.
Vacheron Constantin’s ultra-thin manual-winding 1001 and 1003 movements stem from the 1950s. Back in the day they powered References 6179 and 6187 which hold a special place in the history of the Maison. Calibre 1001 measuring barely 2.94 mm thick features a specific construction with five arabesque bridges. This Hallmark of Geneva-certified movement found its place in the category of chronometer-quality calibres thanks to its precision regulator. It foreshadowed Calibre 1003 launched in 1955 to mark the Manufacture’s bicentenary, the world’s thinnest movement (1.64 mm thick) at the time and still regarded as one of the highest-quality manual-winding models ever produced.
Inspired by these creations, Vacheron Constantin launched the Patrimony collection in 2004: stemming from classic traditional watchmaking, it is distinguished by understated design and a rare aura of elegance. During the 20 years following the launch of this now emblematic collection, Patrimony models have never deviated from these principles, typified by a round case with a slim bezel as well as a refined, domed dial with slender, curved applied hour-markers, curved baton-type hands and ‘pearl’ minutes track.
“A good design wasn’t created to be disposed of after a period of usage, it is designed around essentials to make it eternal.”
Ora ïto, Designer
This 100-piece limited edition features a 40 mm yellow gold case framing a tone-on-tone gold-coloured dial adorned with an infinite number of concentric circles catching the light. This visually simple, circular geometry spreading like a rippling wave echoes the cambered dial surface. Yellow gold enjoys pride of place: on the applied hour-markers, on the ‘pearl’ minutes track and on the slender, slightly curved hands following the shape of the dial. This multitude of details lend a subtle vintage touch to the watch, as do the date discreetly displayed at 6 o’clock in a tone-on-tone aperture along with the metallic transferred Vacheron Constantin logo appearing beneath the sapphire crystal.
On the reverse, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals in-house self-winding Calibre 2450 with hours, minutes, seconds featuring High Watchmaking, notably including circular graining on the mainplate, Côte de Genève pattern on the bridges and an openworked gold oscillating weight revealing a Maltese cross. The model is paired with a burgundy calfskin strap, punctuated by rectangular shapes with softened angles that reinforce the vintage character of the watch and make a striking contrast with the circular geometry of the case and dial.
Technical Specifications:
Patrimony self-winding
Reference
85180/000J-H069
Calibre
2450 Q6
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding
26.20 mm diameter (11¼’’’), 3.60 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
196 components
27 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications
Hours, minutes, date, central seconds
Case
18K 3N yellow gold
40 mm diameter, 8.55 mm thick
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres)
Dial
Gold-toned, circular decor
Convex external zone with circular “pearl” minute-track composed by polished 18K 3N yellow gold pearls
18K 3N yellow gold applied hour-markers and hour/minutes hands
Strap
Burgundy calfskin leather with calf lining
Buckle
18K 3N yellow gold pin buckle
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
For pricing and more information please visit Vacheron Constantin