Vacheron Constantin: Founded in 1755, this Swiss manufacture aims to create watches made to last through the centuries

At first glance, some might consider them simple, whereas sobriety is a demanding style exercise mastered to perfection by the collection since the very first Patrimony, unveiled in 2004. It was then a hand-wound piece, faithful in every way to a 1957 model. The modernity of the 1950s particularly inspired the design of Vacheron Constantin round watches, explains Christian Selmoni, style and heritage director: “It was an era of prosperity and marked economic growth. by creative effervescence, renewal and optimism, a decade where fashion made its revolution, where design ingeniously linked and untied curves and straight lines, where architecture was essentially expressed through shapes. pure forms. Vacheron Constantin was no exception to this dynamic. Our cases became round and thin, even though the watch industry had produced almost all shapes of watches during the first half of the 20th century. The period of the 1950s further benefited from notable technological advances in terms of reliability and precision, as well as the widespread use of gold and steel. The clear dials and refined finishes of the watches created by Vacheron Constantin also reflect the trends of the time. Today, the aesthetic of our round watches, characterized by clean lines and harmonious proportions, has not aged a bit. They also consolidate their status as timeless icons through their quest for finesse, another territory of expression dear to our manufacture for several generations.”

Generously minimalist. Major complications marked the first twenty years of Patrimony. Two of them celebrate this anniversary: ​​the moon phase and the retrograde date display, the technical and stylistic signature of Vacheron Constantin. Deployed on a dial in a unique old silver sunray tone, they have a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. White gold, 42.5 mm. ©Vacheron Constantin

Nowadays, the design of the Patrimony displays such simplicity that it seems complicated to touch it without distorting its character. “Since its launch, we have decided to evolve it in a very subtle way,” continues Christian Selmoni. In 2024, the model thus inherits discreet adjustments: the manual winding version sees its diameter reduced by one millimeter, the dials take on an old silver sunburst tone with retro accents, and olive green or blue alligator leather straps. azure enhance the sobriety of the timepiece with a note of freshness. This 2024 vintage will delight informed collectors with a budget to match.

Subtle workings. If aesthetic sobriety is essential, precision is essential for the automatic caliber of the Patrimony moon phases retrograde date. The lunation display only requires correction every 122 years! Through the sapphire crystal caseback, the oscillating weight displays a Maltese cross, the emblem of the manufacture. ©Vacheron Constantin

The timelessness of a Patrimony fortunately makes it a long-term investment. Nearly three centuries ago, this was already the case with the first Vacheron Constantin timepieces. Guaranteeing the longevity of its oldest watches, the manufacture is committed to restoring them to their original condition. For this, it has period components and machines, as well as all the technical data kept in its heritage archives.

www.vacheron-constantin.com

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