Vacheron Constantin Celebrates 20 Years of the Patrimony Collection with New Releases
Inspired by the minimalist watches of the 1950s, the Patrimony collection has embodied purity of style and the quest for essentials for two decades. To mark this milestone, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled three new models with updated diameters, dial and strap colors, and customization options, keeping the collection firmly rooted in modernity.
New Models and Features
Two manual-winding models, available in white gold or pink gold, now feature a refined 39 mm diameter. These models boast an antique silver-toned dial, a closed caseback for personalized engravings, and new strap colors in azure blue or olive green.
A new white gold model with moon phases and a retrograde date has also been introduced. It features an antique silver-toned dial and an olive-green alligator strap, adding a fresh aesthetic to the collection.
Uncompromising Minimalism
At first glance, the Patrimony manual-winding timepiece retains its timeless, elegant design. However, subtle evolutions have been made. The new 39 mm diameter, slightly smaller than the previous 40 mm, makes it ideal for any wrist. The sunburst-finished dial, now in a retro silver tone, contrasts beautifully with the pink gold hands, hour-markers, and the circular “pearl” minutes track composed of 48 polished 18K gold pearls. The alligator leather straps in azure blue or olive green add a contemporary touch to the watch’s understated nature. Additionally, the closed caseback allows for personal engravings, adding a unique element for each owner.
The manual-winding Calibre 1440, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, powers these models. At just 2.6 mm thick, it offers a 42-hour power reserve, combining precision with the brand’s stylistic and technical heritage.
The new Patrimony moon phase retrograde date watch, with a 42.5 mm white gold case and a new sunburst silver-toned dial, maintains the collection’s emphasis on timeless elegance. Driven by the in-house Calibre 2460 R31L, it features a moon phase indication at 6 o’clock and a retrograde date display at the upper part of the dial. The moon phase requires correction only once every 122 years, showcasing the watch’s exceptional precision. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, the calibre’s Maltese cross-shaped oscillating weight is visible, reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to craftsmanship.
Legacy of Modernity
The Patrimony collection has been passed down through generations, remaining unaffected by fleeting trends. Its timeless design, capturing the spirit of modernity from the 1950s, continues to resonate today. This era of creative renewal and optimism saw Vacheron Constantin create designs distinguished by their understated roundness and slender profiles. Among these were ultra-thin models equipped with the legendary Calibre 1003, the world’s thinnest at the time, presented in 1955 for the company’s bicentenary.
The collection’s design, epitomized by the 1957 Reference 6179, has been reinterpreted over the years. Round and devoid of superfluous elements, the Patrimony watches embody classic watchmaking with their round cases, slender bezels, and convex dials with delicate hour-markers and “pearl” minute tracks.
Twenty Years of Elegance
Since the first model in 2004, the Patrimony collection has embraced numerous complications while maintaining its identity. Perpetual calendars, retrograde displays, minute repeaters, ultra-thin calibres, and other major horological features have enriched the collection over the past 20 years, all while preserving its formal simplicity.
From Geometry to Artistry: Vacheron Constantin’s Annual Theme
A Vacheron Constantin watch is more than the sum of its parts. From a sketch and geometrical drawing, a world of shapes, colors, and textures is born. The complex structures of mechanical engineering blend with design, giving life to grace and sparking emotions through artisanal intelligence. Based on formal, mathematical studies, Vacheron Constantin timepieces embody a soulful elegance, representing the pinnacle of artistic talent. The Traditionnelle collection’s classicism, the Patrimony’s minimalism, Égérie’s allure, and Overseas’ sporty-chic spirit illustrate this blend of artistry and geometry, as celebrated in Vacheron Constantin’s 2024 theme.
For more information, please visit Vacheron-Constantin.com.
