09 January 2017 | Vacheron Costantin , SIHH 2017

The name “Patrimony” is synonym with Vacheron Constantin; it represents the purity and the inimitable understated style of the manufacturer and, in its time-only version, it represents the classic timepiece par excellence. The new Vacheron Constantin Moon Phase and Retrograde Date will be one of the new releases at the next 2017 SIHH that, today, ends its web embargo on the Italian market, probably following a communication logic focused on the country itself (other specialized sites have already published this press release in 2016), despite a conspicuous part of our readers being located abroad and many Italian readers sourcing their information from foreign blogs. In preparation for next week’s more in-depth article and a dedicated photo-shooting session from Geneva, let’s venture into a few more details about the characteristics of these two new models created by a manufacturer, who has been crafting endless real masterpieces of haute-horlogerie since 1755.

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date will come in two versions; one version will be made of white gold, while the second version will be made of pink gold. The case measures 42.5mm in size and is 9.7mm thick, the 2460 R31L caliber, an automatic caliber running at 4Hz, is made up of 275 components and guarantees up to 40 hours of power reserve, it also hosts a double complication within its compact 5.4mm of thickness, namely the retrograde date and the moon phases. The latter complication faithfully reproduces the moon revolution around the earth; a race that lasts exactly 29 days, 12 hours, and 45 minutes and is so precise that it only needs to be adjusted by one day every 122^_nd year.

The moon is depicted on a sky crowded with stars, it is made of either white gold or pink gold, and it perfectly matches the golden pearly indices crafted in the same material as the case. All complications can be controlled through the crown only, thus making the case exceptionally neat and devoid of openings that are usually needed to adjust the different functions. The formal balance is perfect; the retrograde complication has been placed on the upper part of the opaline dial, while the window for the moon phases is located within a small sector positioned at 6 o’clock. The caliber is fully visible through the transparent case-back, through which, one can also behold the big 22-carat-gold-rotor that sports a guillochè pattern and a semi-circular geometric motif that resembles the semi-circular scale of the retrograde date.

What makes the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date superior to other similar classic timepieces, is that it was granted the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva; the highest recognition that could ever be awarded to a watch and that demands it being fully compliant with a series of requirements related to the movement, the mechanic parts, and the end timepiece itself. It is a guarantee of extreme quality and savoir-faire that not every brand can boast and that actually gives the Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date both a superior quality and the guarantee of an ever superior value with the passing of time.

(Photo credit: courtesy of Vacheron Constantin)

Gaetano C @Horbiter

@Gaetano Cimmino

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