Vacheron Constantin introduces a new Patrimony self-winding watch
The new Patrimony self-winding celebrates the 20th anniversary of the brand’s Patrimony collection. It is a collaboration with French designer Ora-Ïto and is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
“Circular perfection, a quest for essentials: the Patrimony collection is the epitome of stylistic pureness. Reflecting a deliberately minimalist approach striking a beautiful balance between taut lines and curves, it asserts its personality through slender cases radiating an elegance inspired by 1950s Vacheron Constantin models.”
Vacheron Constantin has introduced a new version of its Patrimony self-winding watch to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Patrimony collection. It is a collaboration with French designer Ora Ito – Ora-Ïto being his own brand name. Ora-Ïto is among Vacheron Constantin’s “One of Not Many” talents.
Ora-Ïto’s philosophy is “Simplexity,” “is the art of giving visible simplicity to an object with complex functions. His creations encapsulate the aesthetic codes of a new, yet timeless and universal vision of luxury featuring the same minimalist purity. In 2011, Ora-Ïto was named a “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” in France.”
“A good design wasn’t created to be disposed of after a period of usage, it is designed around essentials to make it eternal.” – Ora-Ïto.
Left image: Ora-Ïto wearing the new Patrimony self-winding. Right image: Patrimony self-winding.
Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, is the oldest continuous watchmaker in existence. They celebrate their 270th birthday next year. The Patrimony collection, launched in 2004, was “inspired by the 1950’s”, specifically a Vacheron Constantin reference from 1957, the 6187. The new Patrimony self-winding is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
First image: Vintage Vacheron Constantin advertisement. Second image: Reference 6179 from 1957. Third image: Reference 6187 from 1957. Fourth image: Patrimony 81180 (40 mm) introduced in 2004, inspired by the Reference 6187. Fifth image: Patrimony 1410U (39 mm), introduced in 2024 and might replace the 81180. Sixth image: Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U (42.50 mm), one of the oldest models in the brand’s present catalogue along with the 81180. Seventh image: Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date 4010U (42.50 mm). This reference features a new vintage-inspired dial introduced in 2024. Eight image: Patrimony Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine 43175 (41 mm).
Key features of the Patrimony self-winding
Functions and Dial
– Central hours, minutes, and seconds.
– Date at 6 o’clock.
– Stop seconds function for precise time setting.
The dial is “adorned with an infinite number of concentric circles catching the light. This visually simple, circular geometry spreading like a rippling wave echoes the cambered dial surface.”
– Dial is gold toned, with a circular pattern of concentric circles.
– Baton-type hour and minute hands are made from 18K 3N yellow gold.
– A slightly thick circle divides the inner dial from the outer dial or “convex external zone.”
– 12 hour-markers and 48 “pearl” minute-track, applied on the dial and made from 18K 3N yellow gold, encircle the outer dial.
– The brand’s name and Maltese Cross logo are metallic transferred on the dial at 12 o’clock.
– On the 6 o’clock date window, the yellow gold colour date wheel matches the dial, and the burgundy colour date numerals match the strap, a lovely aesthetic touch. I am not a fan of the 6 o’clock date window on the “regular” Patrimony self-winding. On this model, it works beautifully and provides a necessary break in the dial.
Case, Strap, and Buckle
Left image: Concentric circles paired with rectangular shapes on the burgundy calfskin strap. Right image: Calibre 2450 Q6/3. This image is of the Patrimony self-winding in pink gold. The same movement powers the new Patrimony self-winding. Image taken from the brand’s website.
– Case is made from 18K 3N yellow gold.
– Diameter 40 mm and thickness 8.55 mm.
– Dial and caseback side feature a sapphire crystal.
– Crown at 3 o’clock is embossed with the brand’s Maltese cross logo.
– Water resistance is 3 bar or approximately 30 metres.
– It comes with a burgundy calfskin leather strap with a calf lining. The strap is “punctuated by rectangular shapes with softened angles that reinforce the vintage character of the watch and make a striking contrast with the circular geometry of the case and dial.”
– The strap is attached to a polished 18K 3N yellow gold pin buckle, shaped as a half Maltese cross.
Movement
– Powered by calibre 2450 Q6/3, a mechanical self-winding movement developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin. It powers the hours, minutes, seconds, date, and stop seconds function.
– Diameter 26.20 mm (11 ¼ lignes) and thickness 3.60 mm.
– 196 components. 27 jewels.
– Frequency 28,800 vph or 4 Hz.
– Power reserve approximately 40 hours.
– Calibre 2450 Q6/3 and the entire timepiece are hallmarked by the Poinçon de Genèva or Geneva Seal.
Our Thoughts
The new Patrimony self-winding in collaboration with Ora-Ïto is a pleasant surprise. I am happy to see the brand introduce new classical watches. Last year, they unveiled two models from their Traditionnelle collection with sunburst green dials at Watches and Wonders Shanghai. Early this year, they introduced two new Patrimony models – Manual-Winding in 39 mm and Moon Phase Retrograde Date with a new vintage-inspired dial at Watches and Wonders Geneva. While Vacheron Constantin has nine families of watches, it is fair to say that the Patrimony is their flagship collection. Along with their Traditionnelle, it is among the most beautiful classical round or dress watch collections in the world.
Based on images and supporting information, I love the new Patrimony self-winding. Its design features of 18K 3N yellow gold, unique dial pattern of concentric circles, and burgundy strap with a rectangular pattern, makes it stand out and unlike anything in the market today. It is a fitting way to celebrate the Patrimony collection’s 20th anniversary. I hope it is a sign of other beautiful classical watches to emerge from Vacheron Constantin.
Additional Details
Name: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony self-winding
Reference: 85180-000J-H069
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 35,300 (tax included) / United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED): 134,000 (tax included)
Limited to 100 pieces.
Please visit the Vacheron Constantin website for further information and to register interest.
Vacheron Constantin has a boutique at the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. They also have the Dubai – Suite 1755 at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, by appointment only. All details on the brand’s website.
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