2013/03/20

Vacheron Constantin the Patrimony Traditionnelle Small Seconds

 

CLASSIC AND TIMELESS

A tribute to the creations by the Manufacture during the period running from the 1930s to the 1950s, the Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds watch is heir to an authentic horological tradition. It powerfully displays its timeless nature through pure lines and harmonious proportions. Featuring a slender bezel, a fluted screw-down caseback with an inset sapphire crystal, 18-carat white gold applied hour-markers, dauphine hands and a dial in several shades: this model sublimates the aesthetic codes of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line.

This new timepieces meets the requirements of the Poinçon de Genève or Hallmark of Geneva, which are no longer confined to the movement alone, but now also take account of the finished watch. This is a major evolution for the label that celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2011 and has opted to cater more fully than ever to the true expectations of an ever more informed clientele.

The 950 platinum case frames a slate grey dial displaying the perpetual cycle of time. Long applied 18-carat white gold hour-markers, punctuated by a painted white minute circle standing out against a black background, create a pleasingly rhythmical visual effect. The quest for simplicity is reflected in the elegantly traditional sweep of the hands and expressed through refined execution imbued with a timeless, eminently horological spirit.

Throbbing at the heart of the case is the hand-wound Vacheron Constantin 4400 movement. Developed and crafted in harmony with the most demanding standards of the Geneva Fine Watchmaking traditions, it beats at a rate of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) and displays the hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o’clock. It has an approximately 65-hour power reserve. Both its finishing and its conception testify to superlative craftsmanship. Not only are the main flat surfaces of the movement adorned with a meticulous “Côtes de Genève” motif, but their angles are also bevelled and hand-polished, as are the screw heads.

To accommodate in due style this expression of mechanical genius, Vacheron Constantin has designed the case of its new Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds according to two criteria. While its elegantly slender profile proudly proclaims its loyalty to the classical tradition, its 38 mm diameter endows it with an unmistakably contemporary dimension. Moreover, its exhibition caseback is fitted with a sapphire crystal serving to admire the hand-wound 4400 movement.

Setting the finishing touch to this model, Vacheron Constantin has fitted its new Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds with a black Mississipiensis alligator leather strap fastened by a 950 platinum pin buckle.