The New Dial Colour of the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding and Moon Phase Retrograde Date

As the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous production since 1755, Vacheron Constantin can be proud of its distinguished heritage. With a rich archive at its disposition, the brand can dip into over two and a half centuries for inspiration. The Patrimony collection made its debut in 2004 and turned its gaze back to the elegant minimalism of the 1950s for inspiration, particularly the 1957 ref. 6179 characterised by its slim, round case, slender bezel and understated styling. A balance between the rounded curves and taut lines distinguishes the collection that proposes three refreshed models for 2024. While the specifications of the Patrimony Manual-Winding and Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date remain almost untouched, the novelties are the incorporation of a new silver-toned dial, a smaller case size for the manual-winding model and a refreshing palette of strap colours.

Although the brand describes the new dial colour as an “old-silver-toned” colour, the press photographs insinuate a warm, very light golden tone (we will get back to this when we cover them in more detail). The convex dials feature a sunburst-finished surface and capture the sobriety, thin profiles, and pared-down aesthetics of their 1957 ancestor. The pearl minutes track, the slender hour markers and hands and the intentional avoidance of superfluous details give the dials their elegant 1950s character.

Patrimony Manual-Winding

Celebrating the Patrimony’s twentieth anniversary, Vacheron has given its Patrimony manual-winding a smaller, more compact case. Shrinking from its original 40mm diameter to 39mm, the new time-only Patrimony is available in 18k white or pink gold. With its ultra-slim height of 7.7mm, the caseback is closed and can be personalised. The signature convex dial in the new old-silver-toned colour features slim pink gold indices and hands, while 48 applied gold pearls mark the minutes. Below deck is the ultra-slim 2.6mm thick manual-winding calibre 1440 with a frequency of 4Hz and a power reserve of 42 hours. New straps in azure blue and olive green complement the watches perfectly, adding a refreshing dose of colour.

Quick facts: 39mm diameter x 7.7mm thickness – 18k white or pink gold, polished – closed caseback – 30m water-resistance – convex old-silver-toned dial with applied pink gold indices and pearl minute track, pink gold hour and minute hands – in-house, ultra-thin manual-winding calibre 1440  – 2.6mm thick – 28,800vph – 42h power reserve – 116 components – Hallmark of Geneva – olive-green or azure-blue alligator leather with white/pink gold pin buckle – ref. 1410U/000G-H017 white gold – ref. 1410U/000R-H018 rose gold – price to be confirmed

Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date

Making its debut in 2017, the Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date flaunts its original 42.5mm diameter with a slim height of 9.7mm and is crafted in 18k white gold. The novelty for 2024 is the old-silver-toned dial colour that creates a subtle backdrop for the displays. Forming an arch from 9 to 3 o’clock is the retrograde date display indicated by a dark arrow-tipped hand. The precision moon phase is featured in the lower half of the dial and requires only one correction every 122 years. Slim applied rose gold indices and hands, paired with applied gold pearl minute track complete the picture. The sapphire caseback reveals the in-house automatic calibre 2460 powering the two complications with its openworked 18k gold rotor and refined finishings. Providing an original touch of colour, the watch is accompanied by an olive-green alligator leather strap.

Quick facts: 42.5mm diameter x 9.7mm thickness – 18k white gold, polished – transparent sapphire caseback – 30m water-resistance – convex old-silver-toned dial with applied pink gold indices and pearl minute track, pink gold hour and minute hands, retrograde date and precision moon phase – in-house automatic calibre 2460 R3IL – 5.4mm thick – 28,800vph – 275 components, 27 jewels – 40h power reserve – Hallmark of Geneva – olive-green alligator strap with white gold pin buckle – ref. 4010U/000G-H070 – price to be confirmed

For more information, please visit Vacheron-Constantin.com.