Horology house Vacheron Constantin is reaching new heights of femininity with its introduction of several ethereal new Traditionnelle and Patrimony models. The Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin is available in a powdery blue or pink colour scheme, accompanied by a diamond-set bezel. Meanwhile, the Patrimony Self-winding comes in a gradient-effect dark blue or light pink. With the launch of these special new pieces, Vacheron Constantin is opening to doors to female clients searching for the rare combination of horological innovation and traditional beauty alike.
The Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin has a 36.5 mm case, fitting well to the average female wrist. Thanks to the inclusion of an impressively thin movement (4.05 mm) for a complicated watch such as this, the case height can remain slim at 8.43 mm. Available in either 18-carat white- or pink-gold, the timepieces takes inspiration from its early 20th century watches. Thus, these understated watches rejoice in the finer details, from the stepped lugs and case to the fluted caseback. Furthermore, the bezel, which is set with 76 diamonds, has been slimmed down in comparison to other models in the collection. This opens up the dial and offers the wearer the best possible legibility. In addition, the crown houses a single round-cut diamond.
Likewise, legibility and refinement are of the essence on the dials. These ethereal dials come in tinted blue-grey or white mother-of-pearl, alongside a matching moonphase disc. Meanwhile, the moon itself, the stars, the Dauphine hands and baton indices match to the corresponding case material. In addition, an old-school railway minutes track subtly completes this complicated yet refined timepiece.
Ever the masters of the perpetual calendar, Vacheron Constantin house the calibre 1120 QP inside the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin. Present in a range of the company’s models, this ultra-thin movement offers a 40-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 2.75 Hz. Moreover, the complex calibre integrates a perpetual calendar. This displays the day of the week, date, as well as a 48-month display with leap year indication. Finally, the moonphase sits at 6 o’clock, while polished gold hands display hour and minutes.
The calibre 1120 QP bears the Geneva Seal, proving its all-round high quality. The movement, which is visible via the sapphire crystal caseback, therefore features exquisite traditional decoration including a circular grained plate on the dial side and bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genéve motif on the back. The wearer can also admire techniques such as hand-bevelling, circular satin-finished holes, plus a train with polished teeth. In addition, the 22-carat gold oscillating weight showcases a Côtes de Genéve motif and is open-worked in the shape of the manufacture’s Maltese emblem.
Notably, the new Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin watches mark the first time that the collection has offered an interchangeable strap. At the push of a button, the wearer has the chance to simply swap out one alligator leather strap for another. These rosy-pink or are-blue straps come with white or pink-gold clasps, set with 17 sparkling diamonds. The price of these two new models is 98,500 euros.
Just like these novel Traditionnelle models, the case of the new Patrimony Self-winding model, of which four versions are available, measures 36.5 mm. Again coming in either white- or pink-gold, these traditional timepieces feature low-set crowns and ultra-thin elegant cases, both of which are refined and rounded to create an enduringly elegant aesthetic. Furthermore, two of the four editions integrate gem-set bezels with 72 round-cut diamonds. The case is water-resistant to 30 m.
The most eye-catching part of these purist pieces, however, are the gradient dials in either deep blue or blush pink. This effect brings depth to the dial, drawing the eye to the indices and circular gold ‘pearl’ or diamond minute tracks. The convex dial indicates the time with the help of leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, pointing to the white- or pink-gold hour markers and matching minutes.
Fixing the circular white- or rose-gold minute pearls between the applied gold hour markers is no easy feat. This is because of the domed nature of the dial surface, meaning Vacheron Constantin must use their specialist expertise to secure these delicate details on the dial.
The movement powering all four Patrimony Self-winding editions is Vacheron Constantin’s 2450 Q6/3, offering hours, minutes, seconds, and date. Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz, the watch also offers a solid power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The slim movement is an impressive 3.6 mm thick, allowing the case to maintain its sleek 8.45 mm height. Once again, this calibre proudly bears the Geneva Seal, showcasing exquisite finishing via the caseback such as a circular-grained mainplate, hand-bevelled bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif, and levelled springs.
Last but not least, the new Patrimony Self-winding models for women also come with interchangeable straps in ‘night blue’ or ‘rosy beige’ alligator leather with an iridescent satin finish. The price of the models without unadorned bezels is 31,400 euros, while the versions with diamond bezels costs 39,500 euros, regardless of case material.
