Vacheron Constantin introduced the Patrimony collection in 2004, inspired by mid-century watches that concealed complex constructions inside slender, minimalist cases. Since the launch of the collection, Patrimony models have remained faithful to the original inspiration. Typified by round cases with slim bezels and refined, domed dials with slender, curved hour-markers, curved baton hands and pearl minute tracks. Their apparent simplicity demands a high level of craftsmanship – the almost invisible dial curvature calls for stamping accurate to the nearest micron.
Created with long-time collaborator Ora-ïto, the 20th anniversary Patrimony model is a vintage-style monochrome watch with an 18K gold case framing a tone-on-tone dial. Etched with concentric circles designed to catch the light, the dial’s visually simple circle motif spreads like a rippling wave. ‘This circular movement of light refers to Baily’s Pearls, a spectacular phenomenon that accompanies an eclipse of the sun by the moon,’ explains ïto. Sticking with the retro theme, gold hour markers and a pearl minutes track (made with 48 18K gold beads) circle the dial’s slightly curved central hands. The date is displayed at 6 o’clock in a tone-on-tone aperture. The watch comes fitted on a burgundy leather strap and has an exhibition case back revealing the calibre 2450 automatic movement – engraved with the Côte de Genève pattern on the bridges, circular graining on the mainplate, and an openwork gold oscillating weight revealing a Maltese cross. Limited to 100 pieces.
Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition ($35,300.00) – vacheron-constantin.com
