Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is making a re-appearance this year with a new material finish, after its first introduction to the watch industry back in 2017 in white and pink gold versions. The Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is joining Vacheron Constantin’s prestigious Collection Excellence Platine Concept, where watches in this collection are given a 950 platinum finish and is offered in a limited edition only.
Collection Excellence Platine Concept was launched by Vacheron Constantin back in 2006, where they aimed to produce some of the most exceptional timepieces for watch collectors. The watches in this collection range from the brands simplest to some of their most elaborate pieces, and is offered in limited runs where production can be one to two models per year. As the name of the collection suggests, the iconic feature of this group of watches is the 950 platinum material finish. The watches case, dial and buckle, are made from this noble metal. The midnight blue alligator leather strap on the Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is also hand-stitched with platinum and silk threads.
Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date comes with a secret signature (although seems fairly visible) inscription of “PT 950” between 4 and 5 o’clock on the sand-blasted dial, indicating the exclusive material the watch is crafted from. The moon phase disc at the 6 o’clock aperture is also made from platinum. The stars on the moon phase disc come with a polished surface, while the moon itself has a grained texture, which shows the viewer the visible irregularities of the lunar surface.
The Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date comes in a 42.5mm platinum 950 case and features a slightly convex dial around the circumference. The hour indexes are done in 18-carat white gold, along with the minute track, which has white gold “pearl” finish. The hour and minute hands are also made from white gold. The only touch of colour on the dial is on the pointer date. The blue finish allows the pointer date to stand out against the platinum dial finish, making the date quite easy to read. The moon phase at 6 o’clock, graduates from 0 to 29.5, which serves as a counter to the number of days elapsed since the last new moon.
The movement used in the Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is Vacheron Constantin’s self-winding 2460 R31L calibre. Made of 275 parts and a frequency of 28 800 Vph (4 hz), this calibre also comes with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The water resistance from the case is measured at 3 Bar (30 meters). While powering the hour and minutes, the 2460 R31L calibre also powers the moon phase and retrograde date complications. The horological moon phase complication is so accurate that it only requires a one-day correction once every 122 years!
Limited to a run of 50 units in a boutique only version, Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is further enriching the Excellence Platine Concept Collection with another beautiful 950-platinum finished timepiece.
