Vacheron Constantin commemorates the 20th anniversary of its esteemed Patrimony collection with a meticulously crafted, limited-edition of 100 pieces self-winding timepiece. This collaboration with renowned French designer Ora Ito seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary aesthetics. The watch's design draws inspiration from the minimalist style of the 1950s, echoing the spirit of Vacheron Constantin's ultra-thin movements from that era, such as the iconic Calibre 1003. Housed in a 40mm 18K 3N yellow gold case, the watch features a captivating tone-on-tone gold dial adorned with an infinite number of concentric circles that catch the light, creating a subtle, rippling effect. These circles, according to Ora Ito, evoke the Baily Pearls; a spectacular phenomenon observed during a solar eclipse.
The refined dial is further enhanced by slender, slightly curved hands
and applied 18K 3N yellow gold hour markers, which follow the curvature
of the dial, adding a touch of vintage charm. The date is discreetly
displayed at 6 o'clock, and the Vacheron Constantin logo is subtly
transferred beneath the sapphire crystal. Completing the elegant design
is a rich burgundy calfskin leather strap with calf lining, punctuated
by softened rectangular shapes that create a striking contrast with the
watch's circular geometry.
Powering this exquisite timepiece is the in-house self-winding Calibre 2450, a testament to Vacheron Constantin's horological expertise. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the movement showcases meticulous finishing, including circular graining on the mainplate, Côte de Genève on the bridges, and an openworked gold oscillating weight revealing a Maltese cross, the brand's iconic symbol. This movement boasts a diameter of 26.20 mm, a thickness of 3.60 mm, and an impressive power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The watch is water-resistant to a pressure of 3 bar (approximately 30 meters). Ora Ito's Simplexity philosophy, the art of combining simplicity and complexity, is beautifully embodied in this watch, resulting in a timepiece that is both visually stunning and technically sophisticated.