A REAL VACHERON CONSTANTIN THOROUGHBRED
Purity is a question of proportion, refinement a question of taste. Recognised as the ultimate expression of modern horological classicism, the Contemporary Patrimony line powerfully affirms this refined kind of styling, which has become the Vacheron Constantin hallmark.
The line’s latest addition, the Contemporary Patrimony bi-retrograde day-date, is, moreover, a very discreet expression of the essence of the Geneva manufacture: a watchmaking savoir-faire patiently acquired over 250 years of uninterrupted activity. An Haute Horlogerie timepiece with classic, aesthetic lines, the timepiece Contemporary Patrimony bi-retrograde day-date is a real Vacheron Constantin thoroughbred.
SEEMING SIMPLICITY CONCEALS GENUINE MECHANICAL COMPLEXITY
In the eyes of true watch connoisseurs, the complexity of a mechanical movement is appreciated even more when it is expressed with sophistication and subtlety on the dial. The new watch Contemporary Patrimony from Vacheron Constantin does this to perfection.
Equipped with a double complication represented by two retrograde indicators on the dial, this new timepiece will thrill watch enthusiasts, for only they will be able to appreciate the underlying complexity of these original display features.
To offer more than just the hour and minute display, Vacheron Constantin’s watchmakers-engineers and designers decided to add two of the most useful complications - day and date - and display them by means of two retrograde indicators.
A resolute expression of technology at the service of aesthetics, the retrograde displays are not only highly original, but also very complex mechanically.
Returning the hands in less than 1/10 of a second over an arc close to 180º is a huge challenge for a mechanism of this size as an enormous amount of energy needs to be released instantly so they can fly back in a fraction of a second and with absolute precision. This is why a special light, flexible alloy has been used.
Strength, instantaneousness and precision: these three key elements, perfected by Vacheron Constantin’s master watchmakers, make the complexity of the two retrograde displays appear deceptively simple.
A MOVEMENT STAMPED WITH THE POINÇON DE GENÈVE,
IN THE TRADITION OF THE MANUFACTURE’S NEW AUTOMATIC MOVEMENTS
At the heart of this simple, unpretentiously refined timepiece lies the 2460R31R7 calibre, an automatic mechanical movement designed, developed and produced by the Vacheron Constantin manufacture with hour, minute, date and day functions.
This double-complication calibre is one of the brand’s new 11½ lignes (25.6 mm) automatic movements, which made their appearance in 2005 during the manufacture’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The latest to date and beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations an hour, the 2460R31R7 has a power reserve of more than 40 hours and is distinguished by the meticulous chamfering work on the Côtes de Genève-decorated bridges and the circular-graining of the plate. An innovative ceramic ball-bearing system drives its 22K gold guilloché rotor.
Meeting its twelve stringent criteria, the 2460R31R7 is stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. This very exclusive hallmark is recognised as a symbol of horological perfection as well as a indication of provenance. Over and above the stipulated technical and aesthetic constraints, it symbolises a true philosophy of horological workmanship, with no concession made either to the quality of the components or to any part of the movement. The Poinçon de Genève, therefore, is related to a guarantee of longer life for the movement.
THE TIMELESS POWER OF A DESIGN
ENCAPSULATING VACHERON CONSTANTIN’S PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Comprising two parts and extended by soldered horns, the supremely delicate and elegant 18K pink gold case is an impressive 42.5 mm in diameter. Water-resistant to 30 metres, it features a sapphire back through which one can admire the movement’s finishing and decoration.
The display functions are clearly legible thanks to the generous proportions of the opaline silvered dial and the meticulous care brought to each detail conveys an overall impression of harmony. With its curved exterior, the dial is of complex construction. It also boasts all the other design features of the Contemporary Patrimony line: baton hands, four polished 18K gold triangular hour markers beautifully shaped at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, as well as a minute-circle of applied gold cabochons.
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