Vacheron Constantin Celebrates the Patrimony Collection with a Limited-Edition Watch

To mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic Patrimony collection, Vacheron Constantin has teamed up with renowned French designer Ora Ïto to create a limited-edition watch that blends elegance with simplicity. This collaboration is part of Vacheron Constantin's long-running "One of Not Many" campaign.

"One of Not Many" celebrates individuals who share the Maison's passion for innovation and craftsmanship. The result is a timepiece that reflects the minimalist yet complex design principles for which both Vacheron Constantin and Ora Ïto are known. Limited to just 100 pieces, this exclusive Patrimony watch embodies the timeless beauty of the collection while introducing new elements that highlight Ora Ïto's unique design philosophy.

The Patrimony collection, which debuted in 2004, draws inspiration from the 1950s, an era characterized by exceptional watchmaking achievements. The collection pays homage to the clean lines and understated elegance of that time while incorporating modern craftsmanship. The collaboration with Ora Ïto marks a significant milestone for the collection as it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

A Fusion of Simplicity and Complexity

Ora Ïto's design ethos, known as 'Simplexity,' perfectly aligns with the Patrimony collection's minimalist aesthetics. Simplexity combines simplicity and complexity, aiming to make the intricate seem effortless. This concept is evident in the limited-edition Patrimony watch, where every detail is carefully crafted to create an appearance of simplicity, even though the watch's design and mechanics are far from simple.

The watch features an elegant 40mm yellow gold case. The case frames a tone-on-tone gold dial adorned with concentric circles that catch the light in a way that reflects Ora Ïto's fascination with movement and geometry.

The circular design of the dial evokes a sense of infinity, which Ora Ïto explains as a reference to the Baily's Beads phenomenon, where beads of sunlight peek through during a solar eclipse. This subtle yet profound design touch highlights Ora Ïto's ability to blend art and science in a clever way.

The dial also features applied hour markers and a 'pearl' minute track crafted in yellow gold to complement the case. The slender, curved hour and minute hands follow the shape of the dial, contributing to the overall fluidity of the design. The watch's date display at the 6 o'clock position is discreet, maintaining the clean aesthetic.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

On the reverse side, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the inner workings of the watch, powered by the in-house Calibre 2450. This self-winding movement, developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, showcases the brand's commitment to precision.

The Maltese cross-shaped oscillating weight, visible through the caseback, adds a unique touch to the movement's aesthetics. The finishing on the movement, including Côtes de Genève pattern on the bridges and circular graining on the mainplate, demonstrates an impressive mastery of the art of watchmaking.

The watch comes with a burgundy calfskin leather strap featuring a distinctive graphic motif inspired by the 1970s. Softened at the edges, the rectangular shapes on the strap create a striking contrast with the circular geometry of the case and dial.

The 18k gold pin buckle, shaped like a half Maltese cross, completes the look, ensuring that every aspect of the watch exudes sophistication. This beautiful piece is a worthy addition to any luxury timepiece collection.