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Vacheron Constantin releases new Patrimony in white gold

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February 2018


Vacheron Constantin releases new Patrimony in white gold

Designed for both men and women, the 18k while gold dress watch comes in an elegant and modestly sized 36mm case. Expect it to do well, especially with the ladies’ market.

I’ve always liked an elegant and slim dress watch. That’s probably the reason why I was first drawn to vintage watches - trying to avoid the contemporary breed of 43+ mm dial classic models.

Not many watchmaking brands today produce classic dress watches, or if they do it is certainly not at the frequency that they did in the mid 20th century. Vacheron Constantin is still holding on to that tradition and its Patrimony line has become one of its most emblematic.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony in 36mm white gold
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony in 36mm white gold

Today, the Patrimony is representative of the 21st century dress watch. In another iteration for the model, we now see it in a 36mm white gold version. The relatively small vintage size of the watch is meant to target both men and women.

The watch features a slightly convex silvered opaline dial, which blends well with the 18 carat white gold case. Combined, they result in a pure design that looks like an updated version of a classic 1960s model.

Vacheron Constantin releases new Patrimony in white gold

On the inside, the watch is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. The Calibre 2450 Q6 has 40 hours of power reserve and drives the hours, minutes, central seconds, including a date function.

A display case back showcases the 22 carat gold oscillating weight, decorated with the brand’s motif – the Maltese cross – as well as the Hallmark of Geneva. That means that the watch meets the strict criteria as first set out by the Geneva government in 1886, including assembly and adjustments in the Canton of Geneva and over a dozen other criteria to ensure high performance.

Vacheron Constantin releases new Patrimony in white gold

This version of the Patrimony is available in two references, and the only thing distinguishing them is the strap option: one in black semi-mat Mississippiensis alligator leather and the other in shiny red Mississippiensis alligator leather.

The additional designation of “Mississippiensis” alligator leather, you’ll be relieved to know, indicates that the leather has been sourced from American alligators. I suppose Donald Trump’s “America First” policy is working then.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony in red gator leather strap
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony in red gator leather strap

The fact that the watch is being offered in one size and aimed at both the men’s and ladies’ markets suggests that Swiss watchmakers are continuing the trend of consolidating their product offerings.

This version of the Patrimony will no doubt be popular among vintage watch enthusiasts. And given its size and elegant lines, I would expect it to perform very well as a solid ladies’ dress watch option too.