Spotlight On The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 82172

Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaking manufacture in the world. And during the last century, Vacheron has specialized in making top-tier dress watches. The Patrimony Traditionnelle 82172, which made its debut in 2009, is the Maison’s modern offering in this category that stays true to the fundamentals of classical watches.

The watch dons a 38 mm pink gold case that is a mere 7.77 mm thick. On the wrist, Patrimony Traditionnelle offers plenty of presence but can easily slip under a shirt cuff if need be. The bezel is flat and smooth and the case is classically round at first glance. Yet from a side view, you’ll quickly see that there’s more than meets the eye. There’s a subtle step from the bezel to the case, then another step from the mid-case to the knurled caseback–small details that add design interest. The slightly sloping lugs hug the wrist comfortably and serve to attach the leather strap to the tiered case. The brown leather strap is secured to the wrist via a Maltese Cross designed buckle, also in pink gold.

Like the rest of the watch, the silver opaline dial of the Patrimony Traditionnelle 82172 is minimalistic and every component was carefully considered to ensure balance. There’s the vintage-inspired railroad style minute track around the periphery, punctuated by hand applied pink gold indexes. At the center sits a pair of pink gold dauphine-style hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand lies in its own subdial right about 6 o’clock. Clean, crisp, and stunning to look at, the Patrimony dial is a classic example of beautiful subtleties.

Vacheron Constantin Caliber 4400

At the heart of the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle is the in-house Caliber 4400. A modern manual-wound movement made entirely by Vacheron, Cal. 4400 offers an impressive 65-hour power reserve despite only having a single barrel. Vacheron Constantin introduced the Caliber 4400 in 2009 and since then, the manufacture relies on this movement to power a host of its most elegant models.

In true Vacheron Constantin form, the movement is superbly decorated with Geneva striping across the whole mechanism. Look closely at the movement and you’ll spot the coveted Geneva Seal–an industry quality standard that signifies that not only was the caliber made in the Canton of Geneva but that it adheres to the strictest levels of finishing and decoration.

Naturally, a movement that boasts this type of beauty and architecture deserves to be on display. As a result, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle includes a sapphire caseback for a full view of the movement.

A timepiece collection is simply not complete without a dress watch. And if you want to own one of the best out there, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle is an incredible choice. Ideally understated for everyday use yet perfectly suited to pair with formal wear, this is a luxury watch that stands above the rest.