Watch Of The Week: The New 20th Anniversary Vacheron Constantin Patrimony

Vacheron Constantin marks the 20th anniversary of its Patrimony collection with a new self-winding limited edition, honoring the deep history rooted in Vacheron Constantin. This milestone is celebrated through a vintage-style monochrome timepiece that pays tribute to the golden era of the 1950s while incorporating modern artistry and the maison’s dedication to exploring art through a collaboration with renowned French designer Ora ïto.

The Patrimony collection, born in 2004, takes inspiration from the 1950s. This period was known for pursuing slender watchmaking calibers and elegant simplicity. The ultra-thin manual-winding calibers 1001 and 1003, which powered Vacheron Constantin’s iconic References 6179 and 6187, laid the foundation for what would become a symbol of precision and design excellence.

The latest Patrimony self-winding model results from a long-standing collaboration with Ora ïto, one of Vacheron’s “One of Not Many” talents known for his philosophy of “Simplexity” (the art of creating designs that appear simple yet hide underlying complexity). This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Vacheron Constantin’s ethos, as seen in the new timepiece’s clean lines, subtle details, and hidden intricacies.

The new limited edition is crafted in yellow gold with a 40 mm case frame and a gold-toned dial adorned with concentric circles that play with light, reminiscent of the celestial phenomenon known as Baily’s beads. The vintage touch is further enhanced by a burgundy calfskin strap with graphic motifs inspired by the 1970s, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

The heart of this timepiece is the in-house Caliber 2450, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. This self-winding movement features high watchmaking decorations like circular graining and the Côte de Genève pattern.

The Patrimony collection has always been more than just a tribute to the past; it’s a bridge to Vacheron Constantin’s future. From the ultra-thin movements of the 1950s to the contemporary designs of today. “Vacheron Constantin’s history is dotted with timepieces in which the quest for thinness holds pride of place. Our rich archive remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our contemporary creations,” notes Sandrine Donguy, Product Marketing & Innovation Director Vacheron Constantin. “It is very important that our designers, when working on future products, can maintain the precious link between our heritage and our current collections. When we launched the Patrimony collection 20 years ago, we were strongly inspired by the aesthetics of the 1950s, a decade particularly characterised by refinement and elegance. The Patrimony collection continues this tradition of extreme understatement, confirming Vacheron Constantin’s desire to create watches that are both modern and timeless. Slimness is not just a question of technique, but also a design philosophy that embeds our creations in a rich vein of elegance running through successive ages. The undeniable success of the Patrimony watches can doubtless be explained by this combination of classicism and modernity.”