Traditionnelle

Vacheron Constantin - SIHH 2009

The New Patrimony Models: Consummate Purity and Elegance

The Patrimony line encapsulates Vacheron Constantin’s very DNA, its heritage and its savoir-faire, patiently accumulated for over 250 years. It is also a symbol of the purest kind of elegance, a recognised and longstanding signature of Vacheron Constantin.

With its round cases and timeless classicism, the Patrimony is rooted in the purest tradition of watchmaking.

Patrimony Traditionnelle

The Traditionnelle line of the Patrimony collection, which was introduced in 2007, is inspired by the aesthetic features that have distinguished some of Vacheron Constantin’s most beautiful historical models. Stamped with purism and rigour, it also adheres to those fundamental values which are important for true connoisseurs and which distinguish the Geneva Manufacture’s most exclusive pieces.

A fine bezel, knurling around the screw-down sapphire crystal back, faceted trapezoid hourmarkers, dauphine hands and dials in several historically-inspired shades of silver, and a tiered case and horns with pure, straight lines. These identifying characteristics of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line, expressed in a contemporary style, remind us that tradition and modernity are natural bedfellows at Vacheron Constantin. All the new models in the Patrimony Traditionnelle line meet these clearly defined characteristics. As a result, this prestige line can house a mechanical movement that features a small seconds as well as a major complication.

The Manufacture’s engineers, designers and master watchmakers use this line as a vehicle to express the very best of the Vacheron Constantin tradition.

A new example of this dynamic is offered with this year’s launching of some new exceptional timepieces in the Patrimony Traditionnelle line, timepieces that express Vacheron Constantin’s savoir-faire and its commitment to the patient construction of a reference line.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle line is offering some extraordinary new major pieces in 2009: from a new exclusive manual-winding movement to the most emblematic of chronographs to skeleton and jewellery models.

38 mm Patrimony Traditionnelle

Vacheron Constantin’s new 4400 calibre makes its entrance

A tribute to the timepieces made by the Manufacture from the 1930’s to the 1950’s, the new 38 mm Patrimony Traditionnelle is part of a true horological tradition.

Its pure lines and harmonious proportions are a strong assertion of its classic character. With its fine bezel, knurled case middle, screw-down sapphire crystal back, faceted trapezoid hourmarkers, dauphine hands and multi-toned dial, this new model sublimates the identifying aesthetic features of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line.

At the heart of its case lies Vacheron Constantin’s new manual-winding 4400 calibre, designed and manufactured in toto by the brand’s Research & Development Department in the Joux Valley. Thanks to its impressive barrel, this new movement has a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. It displays the hours and minutes as well as a small seconds at 6 o’clock. And in addition to Vacheron Constantin’s exceptional finishing - always discreet and simple in appearance - the 4400 calibre is stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

Conceived in the purest Haute Horlogerie tradition but developed with today’s cutting-edge technology, the new manual-winding 4400 calibre is distinguished by its 12.5’’’ (28.50 mm) diameter, a size specially designed for contemporary cases.

Vacheron Constantin’s designers and watchmakers used this dimension to create the perfect combination of technique and aesthetics. Complying with the twelve criteria required for the Hallmark of Geneva, this new movement meets the even higher demands of decoration and finishing.

True to the Vacheron Constantin tradition, all the surfaces of the plate, bridges and other major components are hand-decorated, including those that are not visible. Such quality hand-finishing is an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s philosophy and distinguishes all its movements. A contemporary testimony to the most authentic watchmaking tradition,  this new Patrimony Traditionnelle timepiece comes in a 38-mm 18K pink gold case.

The manual-winding movement and its finishing can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback. Thanks to both its technical and aesthetic qualities, the 38 mm Patrimony Traditionnelle is already on its way to becoming a benchmark in the world of classic Haute Horlogerie and a must for connoisseurs.