Celebrating 20 Years of the Patrimony Collection: The New Self-Winding Limited Edition

In honor of the 20th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony collection, the brand has unveiled a new self-winding limited edition timepiece. This latest creation results from an enduring collaboration with French designer Ora ïto, known for his innovative concept of “Simplexity” — a harmonious blend of simplicity and complexity. This release exemplifies the Patrimony collection’s commitment to minimalist aesthetics while paying tribute to the grand watchmaking tradition.

With only 100 pieces available, the Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition is poised to become a timeless treasure for luxury watch collectors and connoisseurs.

Minimalist Design, Inspired by the 1950s

The Patrimony collection, which first launched in 2004, is rooted in the elegant watch designs of the 1950s. During this era, Vacheron Constantin developed some of its most iconic and ultra-thin movements, including the manual-winding 1001 and 1003 calibers. These movements were renowned for their precision, craftsmanship, and slender construction, perfectly aligning with the understated beauty of mid-century horology.

The new Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition follows this tradition by blending vintage aesthetics with modern precision. Its 40 mm yellow gold case is adorned with a tone-on-tone gold dial featuring concentric circles that catch the light in a mesmerizing ripple effect. This cambered dial design and the circular geometry recall the timeless beauty of Vacheron Constantin’s 1957 models.

Ora ïto, a key figure in the creation of this edition, explains that the circular movement of light across the dial was inspired by the Baily’s Beads phenomenon during a solar eclipse, adding an astronomical touch to the design.

Craftsmanship Concealed in Simplicity

What appears as a minimalist design on the surface conceals a level of craftsmanship that is rarely achieved. The Patrimony collection’s slim, round case, slender hour markers, and domed dial require precision down to the micron. The hands and markers, slightly curved to follow the shape of the dial, and the meticulously placed “pearl” minute track are subtle details that make this timepiece an exercise in restrained sophistication.

The elegance of the Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition doesn’t stop at its appearance. Vacheron Constantin’s in-house Calibre 2450 Q6, a Hallmark of Geneva-certified movement, powers the timepiece. This self-winding movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, features 196 components and boasts a 40-hour power reserve. Notable finishes, such as the Côtes de Genève pattern on the bridges and the open-worked gold oscillating weight, speak to the high level of craftsmanship involved in its creation.

Ora ïto’s “Simplexity” and the Patrimony Collection

Ora ïto, the designer behind this limited edition timepiece, is renowned for his concept of “Simplicity.” The term, a combination of simplicity and complexity, perfectly describes the Patrimony collection. The collection’s minimalist aesthetics mask the complexity of its movements and the precision required to create such an understated design. Since 2019, Ora ïto has been a critical figure in Vacheron Constantin’s “One of Not Many” campaign, a collaboration celebrating exceptional talent.

His involvement in this edition is a testament to his admiration for the Patrimony collection, a model that embodies his design philosophy. For Ora ïto, good design should stand the test of time and be simplified to the essentials, creating an eternal piece — a philosophy reflected in the new Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition.

The Details of the Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition

The Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition is crafted in yellow gold and features several distinctive elements:

• Case: The 40 mm case, made of 18K 3N yellow gold, is only 8.55 mm thick, making it both elegant and wearable. Its water resistance is tested up to 30 meters.
• Dial: The gold-toned dial is decorated with concentric circular motifs, giving it a dynamic yet minimalist appearance. The applied hour markers and minute track are crafted from polished 18K yellow gold, with “pearl” markers creating a subtle vintage touch.
• Strap: The watch is complemented by a burgundy calfskin leather strap, which features rectangular graphic motifs inspired by the 1970s. The combination of colors and textures reinforces the watch’s vintage charm while adding a modern twist.
• Movement: At the heart of this timepiece is the Calibre 2450 Q6, a mechanical self-winding movement developed in-house by Vacheron Constantin. This caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and includes hours, minutes, seconds, and a discreet date display at 6 o’clock.
• Caseback: The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the intricate details of the movement, including the open-worked gold rotor, shaped like Vacheron Constantin’s iconic Maltese cross.

A Tribute to Tradition and Modernity

The Patrimony collection has always reflected Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to tradition and excellence. Since its inception in 2004, it has followed classical watchmaking principles while incorporating modern technological advancements. The new Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition is no exception.

With only 100 pieces available, this timepiece is a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of watchmaking history. It perfectly embodies Ora ïto’s “Simplexity” and Vacheron Constantin’s unwavering commitment to perfection.

Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition

The Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition is a fitting tribute to 20 years of understated elegance and technical brilliance from Vacheron Constantin. This remarkable timepiece reflects Maison’s dedication to preserving tradition while embracing modernity, and it stands as a testament to the long history of craftsmanship that defines Vacheron Constantin watches. As the culmination of a two-decade journey, this 20th-anniversary watch collection is a masterclass in simplicity and complexity, ideally in line with the ethos of designer Ora ïto and his philosophy of “Complexity.”

Drawing inspiration from the 1950s, when Vacheron Constantin introduced some of its most iconic movements, the Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition is a modern embodiment of timeless design. This model’s clean lines, subtle curves, and meticulous attention to detail hark back to the Vacheron Constantin 1950s-inspired watches, where form and function met with unparalleled harmony. The minimalist dial, adorned with concentric circles, reflects the brand’s ability to hide ultra-thin watch movements within a visually simple design, further reinforcing the connection to the 1950s.

At the heart of this Swiss luxury timepiece is the Calibre 2450 Q6, a self-winding movement that epitomizes the technical mastery for which Vacheron Constantin is known. This movement powers the hours, minutes, and seconds functions and ensures the smooth operation of the discreet date display at 6 o’clock. The Calibre 2450 Q6 symbolizes the brand’s commitment to precision, reliability, and innovation. Certified with the Hallmark of Geneva, it carries the assurance of quality that Vacheron Constantin has upheld for centuries.

The decision to use luxury gold in both the case and dial further enhances the allure of this Vacheron Constantin watch, making it a standout piece among luxury gold watches. The 40 mm yellow gold case frames a gold-tone dial, while the slim, curved hands and markers are crafted in the same precious metal, providing a monochrome aesthetic that is both modern and vintage.

This limited edition fully realizes Designer Ora ïto’s complex design philosophy. His ability to fuse the complex and the simple creates a visually striking and technically sophisticated timepiece. The collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and Ora ïto has produced a watch that remains true to the brand’s core values while introducing a fresh perspective on minimalist luxury.

In conclusion, the Patrimony Self-Winding Limited Edition celebrates Vacheron Constantin’s legacy of excellence. As part of the 20th-anniversary watch collection, it bridges past and present, honoring the brand’s rich history while looking ahead. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, this limited edition timepiece offers a rare opportunity to own a watchmaking history that combines elegance, precision, and Swiss luxury timepiece craftsmanship at its finest.