A contemporary timepiece with traditional values
Angus Davies reviews the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine. This is a watch, absent of numerous complications, but with a svelte mien granting a sublime simplicity of line.
Vacheron Constantin have a long history of making some of the finest timepieces in existence. If you thumb their brochure “Les Collections” you will see a large array of models including some incredibly complex timepieces.
The grand complications in the range include amazing tourbillons and minute repeaters. However, one of my favourites is the Patrimony Contemporaine. This stunning svelte sensation lacks complications but affords its owner simplicity of line.
Clean lines, do not confuse the wearer with extraneous detail. The dial is a model of clarity.
My favoured model is the platinum cased model with silver-toned opaline dial and black strap.
Platinum
It is surprising to feature platinum on a watch without headline grabbing complications. Platinum is the most cherished and valuable noble metal. It is difficult to fabricate and normally reserved for only the most expensive watches.
Platinum is highly resistant to corrosion and offers very high levels of purity when contrasted with gold. Platinum used in watches is 95% pure whereas 18-carat gold is only 75% pure. This is depicted by the hallmarks; “950” and “750” respectively.
Platinum is far more rare than gold. Annual production of platinum is less than 10% that of gold production.
It is naturally white and has a unique brilliance and luminosity. It does not tarnish or stain and unlike gold does not lose volume when scratched, but is merely displaced.
Platinum Excellence Collection (PEC)
I adore the Patrimony Contemporaine with silver-toned opaline dial. How could it be improved? Well, I must confess there is a variant I prefer. It is a limited edition model from 2006. It shares a platinum case like the aforementioned model but features a gorgeous platinum dial, with the text “PT950” on the dial between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock.
It is the Patrimony Contemporaine PEC. Sadly, they are all sold.
Case and dial
The platinum case is a reserved 40 mm with a discreet height of only 6.80 mm. It is wonderfully elegant.
The dial is available in slate-coloured opaline but I prefer the innocence of the silver-toned opaline dial. Simple batons and hands in 18-carat gold perfectly co-ordinate with the case and provide propriety.
Movement
The watch informs the wearer of hours and minutes. The movement, Calibre 1400, may not be laden with lots of complicated functions, but it is a wonderful exemplar of haute horology.
The Poinçon de Genève features on the movement. Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges, perlage on the plate and flawless finissage underscore the value of owning a Vacheron Constantin.
Conclusion
I look at this watch and it has an aesthetic lightness despite the dense metal from which it is constructed.
All aspects acquiesce, no detail corrupts or confuses the peerless purity of this model.
It may be called “Contemporaine” but it shares the “traditionnelle” craftmanship synonymous with the other watches which bear the Maltese Cross on their dial.
This is a watch I would personally wish to own.
Technical specification
- Model: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine
- Reference: 81180/000P-9332
- Case: Platinum 950; 40.00 mm diameter; 6.80 mm height.
- Functions: Hours; minutes.
- Calibre: Manual wind; Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); power reserve 40 hours; 20 jewels; 98 parts.
- Calibre Reference: Caliber 1400
- Strap: Black aligator leather strap with platinum buckle.