October 9 2024

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 20th Anniversary: A Limited Edition Masterpiece

Ricardo Amaral NEW RELEASES, VACHERON CONSTANTIN 2024, Limited Edition, Ora Ïto 0

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin’s iconic Patrimony collection, and to celebrate, the Swiss watchmaker has teamed up with French designer Ora Ïto for an exclusive limited edition. Known for his minimalist yet futuristic approach, Ora Ïto has been a partner of Vacheron Constantin since 2019 as part of the brand’s “One of Not Many” initiative. This collaboration is a nod to the rich heritage of the brand, inspired by the reference 6187 from the 1957 collection.

A Design Rooted in Tradition

The new Patrimony model is housed in an elegant polished 18K 3N Yellow Gold case, measuring 40mm in diameter and just 8.55mm in thickness, offering a sleek profile. The smooth bezel, fluted crown with the brand’s Maltese Cross logo, and an open case back complete the timeless design, while sapphire crystal protects both the front and back. The watch is water-resistant to 30m, ensuring it’s ready for modern-day wear while staying true to its vintage-inspired roots.

A Minimalist Masterpiece

The domed, monochromatic dial in matching yellow gold is a study of minimalism. Concentric circles form a subtle yet elegant motif, complemented by 18K gold hour markers and three centre hands. A discreet minute dot track runs around the perimeter, and a date window at 6 o’clock features burgundy Arabic numerals, matching the leather strap. The Vacheron Constantin logo sits proudly at noon, adding the final touch of heritage to the dial.

A Mechanical Marvel

The heart of the watch is the Manufacture 2450 Q6 movement, which can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. This automatic movement is adorned with the signature Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges and features a skeletonized 18K gold rotor in the shape of the Maltese Cross. With 196 components and a thickness of just 3.60mm, the movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (Vph) and provides a 40-hour power reserve, embodying both precision and reliability.

Burgundy Calfskin Strap with a Vintage Touch

Completing the package is a burgundy calfskin leather strap, embossed with graphic motifs from the 70s, secured by an 18K yellow gold pin buckle. This rich colour ties the whole design together and evokes a sense of vintage flair, perfectly complementing the watch’s mid-century inspiration.

Our Opinion

The design of this limited edition is pure elegance, and the vintage-inspired monochromatic gold dial is simply stunning. The case’s 40mm size, however, feels slightly oversized for what is meant to be a classic watch. A more traditional size between 34mm and 38mm might have appealed to collectors with smaller wrists. Additionally, while the automatic movement is undoubtedly well-crafted, we believe a hand-wound movement would have been a more fitting tribute to the original model from 1957.

Conclusion

Despite its modern upgrades, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 20th Anniversary limited edition stays true to the essence of its 1957 predecessor. Limited to just 100 pieces, this watch is a collector’s dream, blending modern craftsmanship with the timeless allure of the past.