Since its founding back in 1755, Vacheron Constantin has dedicated itself to the refinement of its watches as a form of art, serving elegance and adhering to the principle that “less is more”. This principle is ever present in the brand’s latest release; the Patrimony retrograde day-date.
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony retrograde day-date is a limited annual production timepiece that has meticulous attention to detail, where minimalism meets technical excellence. The retrograde date complication upgrade seems to be the flavour of the month, with it also being used on the new Overseas retrograde model. The Patrimony retrograde day-date is certainly not a new model in the Patrimony collection, with several releases in pink and white gold cases combined with different coloured dials already available. This is the first time, however, that the Patrimony retrograde day-date is presented in a 950 platinum case with an elegant salmon-coloured dial.
The salmon dial has a sunburst finish, which plays with light beautifully. The retrograde date feature can be found at the top part of the dial, while the retrograde day feature is shown at the 6 o’clock position. Both retrograde indications are made with blue steeled hands to keep with Vacheron Constantin’s traditional design codes. The hour and minute hands are made from 18K white gold and have been subtly curved to match the shape of the domed dial. To match these hands, the hour indices are also done in 18K white gold, which against the salmon dial does stand out well.
Every detail on this dial is done to reflect the aesthetic characteristics symbolic of Vacheron Constantin. Underneath the 12 o’clock hour indication is the emblem of the Maison; a facetted Maltese cross in relief. The Maltese cross comes crafted in 18k 5N pink gold and has facets that are sandblasted on one side while polished on the other, which paints a new light on this iconic symbol. all of this comes enclosed in a 42.5mm 950 platinum case, rated to a water depth of 30m 3 (bar).
The engine driving this new Patrimony retrograde day-date is the in-house self-winding calibre 2460 R31R7/3 movement. The movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) while delivering a power reserve of 40 hours. The timepiece comes with an open case back as with most of Vacheron Constainin’s models. The open case back allows the wearer to see the beautiful finishing of the movement, including hand-polished angles on the bridges, straight-graining, polished screws, circular-grained main plate and the Côtes de Genève motif on the back of the bridges.
To allow the dial to take the centre stage, this Patrimony retrograde day-date is offered on a dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with a calf inner shell. The salmon dial colour and 950 platinum case combination are exclusively associated with timepieces that have an annual limited production, thereby making this Retrograde day-date in the Patrimony collection a special and unique piece.
Reference: 4000U/000P-H003
Specification:
- Case: 42.5mm
- Case Material: 950 platinum
- Dial: Salmon-coloured with sunburst finishing
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
- Movement: Automatic 2460 R31R7/3 calibre
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with calf inner shell, tone-to-tone stitching, square scales
