Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm
Angus Davies reviews the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm, a watch with an elegant dial featuring hours, minutes and small seconds.
I have collected wristwatches all my adult life. A trait I have developed is to surreptitiously glance at the watch of the person with whom I am in conversation.
Much can be ascertained about a person’s persona merely by looking at their watch.
A watch does not necessarily indicate wealth, but can personify its wearers character. Alternatively, a watch may be selected not to mirror a personality but to convey a desired image even if this is not congruent with reality.
During a recent business meeting as I drank coffee and engaged in conversation, I glanced at the wrist of my French host. A lady with grace and style, I was captivated by the timepiece on her wrist.
It was an elegant Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm. I have seen the watch on a man’s wrist before and been enchanted by its lithe lines. However, this pink gold watch sat perfectly on this feminine wrist.
The meeting concluded and my moment of adoration for this timepiece was rendered to memory.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin are architects of some of the finest haute horology. A long history crafting watches near Lake Geneva has led to distilled horology of the finest purity.
The watch quietly proclaims tradition and artistry synonymous with the brand which was founded in 1755.
The dial
Admire the silvered opaline dial and its clarity is obvious, nothing superfluous to confuse or distract. It has a timeless quality which will always retain relevance despite the passage of time.
A minute track, depicted in black, negotiates the circumference of the dial. A similar motif edges the subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o’clock.
The subsidiary seconds dial is finely snailed affording the dial a wondrous three dimensional aspect.
Gold rectangular batons indicate the hours in a restrained voice, not too loud or shouting for undue attention.
The dauphine shaped hands, sword shaped in design, tastefully convey the hours and minutes.
The case
The case is discreet with a diameter of 38mm. It’s 18-carat pink gold construction is warm, yet understated.
All surfaces have a highly polished appearance.
The rear of the watch features a sapphire crystal back to allow its wearer to admire the finissage of the movement residing in the case.
The crown is knurled aiding adjustment and has the company’s logo, a Maltese Cross, adorning its outer vertical surface.
The movement
The watch features a manufacture movement, 4400 calibre. This was completely developed, designed and produced by Vacheron Constantin.
To understand haute horology, admire the movement through the sapphire back and slowly sip the details of its construction.
The bridges feature Côtes de Genève, the plate beneath has beautiful circular graining and 21 rubies also feature.
If you look closely at the balance spring you will see it is secured by a sliding stud cap with round head and neck. It is this level of finishing which has resulted in the watch being granted the Poinçon de Genève.
The movement has a svelte waist, measuring only 2.8mm, yet harnesses enough energy to provide a power reserve of 65 hours.
Conclusion
This is a manual-wind watch whose classicism and fluency should be cherished.
The wearer of this watch is not “trying too hard”. They clearly have good taste and appreciate the fine bouquet of this classic vintage.
This particular model is the graceful swan who serenely advances on the lake’s surface whilst industrious feet gently aid progress in a discreet fashion.
My meeting with the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm may have been a brief encounter, but unlike Laura Jesson and Dr. Alec Harvey, I think we will be reunited and our relationship will flourish.
Technical specification
- Model: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm
- Reference: 82172/000R-9382
- Case: 18-carat pink gold; 38.00 mm diameter; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to both front and rear.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; subsidiary seconds.
- Calibre: Manual-winding; Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); power reserve 65 hours; 21 jewels; Poinçon de Genève.
- Calibre Reference: 4400 Calibre
- Strap: Brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled alligator leather on 18-carat pink gold buckle