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On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Patrimony collection, Vacheron Constantin reveals a new self-winding limited edition, the fruit of a collaboration with Ora ïto. Inspired by a 1957 model, the Geneva-based Maison 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, the 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 a “pearl” minutes track.
This apparent formal simplicity demands a high level of craftsmanship. The almost invisible dial curvature calls for stamping rigorously accurate to the nearest micron. The same obsessive concern for detail is applied to the elements, with each machined component requiring manual retouching involving the added difficulty of their tiny size.
The aesthetic worlds of Patrimony and Dra Ïto were made to meet and mingle. The face of the collection since 2019 as part of the One of Not Many campaign, the French designer is a longtime admirer of the Patrimony collection, a horological embodiment of his “Simplexity” concept.
Understated, quintessential and timeless, the new Patrimony selfwinding model celebrates the collection’s apparent simplicity. This 100-piece limited edition features a 40mm 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 lends 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 finishes, 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.
November 14, 2024