For most people, any thin wristwatch with a diameter under 38 mm that is fitted with an alligator strap is considered a dress watch and meant to be worn with a suit or in a formal setting. Well, since most people think that way, Vacheron Constantin decided to break the mold and created a larger case size for its Patrimony watch making it more suitable for everyone and for most occasions. While we can't deny that this watch looks much better when paired with a suit or a tuxedo, we also can't deny the fact that it also looks great while wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers.
Things You Need to Know
Available in three different metals —18K white gold, 18K rose gold or .950 platinum—, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony is fitted with a generous 42 mm case that even at this unconventional larger proportions for a brand like Vacheron, it is able to maintain the purity of its 1950s inspired design, simply intact.
With a perfectly round case with prominent straight lugs and a thickness under 8 mm, the Vacheron Patrimony is simply timeless. A small signed crown with the iconic Maltese cross rounds out the simple yet perfect design of this watch.
While the 18K white gold reference 1110U/000G-B086 features a silvered dial, the 18K rose gold model sports an off-white cream colored dial and the platinum model a dark grey dial. Delivered on a black alligator strap with half Maltese cross pin buckle, the watch is perfectly suited for everyday wear.
The slightly domed dial, with a very clean layout features thin and long applied hour markers as well as a pearled minute track. With a recessed running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and its slightly curved minute hand, the wearer gets transported to the mid-century era in a timepiece that is perfectly suited for modern times. The dial features a black track for the seconds subdial as well as black imprint on the Vacheron logo and applied Maltese cross.
The Movement
With Calibre 4400 AS as its beating heart, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 42 mm is fitted with a display case back that allows for uncompromised full view of its movement. This manual wound movement provides an outstanding power reserve of 65 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph —4 Hz. Composed of 127 parts and 21 jewels, the movement is exquisitely finished as Vacheron Constantin has been doing it for the last 262 years of uninterrumped history.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 42 wears slightly smaller than its actual size and more like a 41 mm watch thanks to its slim profile. An elegant and understated timepiece that goes well with whatever you wear, but specially well with monochromatic outfits. While this is the perfect watch for a gala night or a black tie affair, the watch also wears extremely well with jeans and a t-shirt. For the price, you are getting one of the best watches out there from the 'holy trinity of watchmaking' and a piece with timeless design that will take on the test of time, unlike other watches.
Sticker Price $27,500 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
