Vacheron Constantin Introduces Three New Patrimony Watches Inspired By The Classic Style Of The 1950s

What can we expect from Vacheron Constantin when it comes to new introductions? A new version of the 222, maybe some new Overseas variations, and a small number of super complicated pieces that show the brand’s intricate craftsmanship wouldn’t be unreasonable. How about a series of super clean Patrimony models that bring us back to the 1950s? There is something incredibly interesting about the new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding and Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date. These three watches shine because of their minimalist approach and may not stand out immediately. But they might be the humble stars of the brand’s new introductions.

When I first saw the two new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding models, I wasn’t sure how exciting they were. The brand has had the Patrimony Manual-Winding in its collection since 2004, and these new pieces are in the same style as the 36mm and 40mm versions. But Vacheron Constantin decided to update the case size from 40mm to 39mm and design a new dial in a new color. Add the colorful straps, and we will get two new versions that immediately stand out from the existing ones. So I was excited to find out more.

The story of the new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watches

Vacheron Constantin is releasing three new Patrimony models in total. Two are the time-only Patrimony Manual-Winding versions and the third is the automatic Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date. All three have classically styled round cases with traditional 1950s minimalist dials. The Moon Phase Retrograde Date is a complicated model, so it has a bit more going on, but it follows the same design aesthetic.

All three watches come with slim precious-metal cases matched with colorful leather straps. The result is a series of watches that embrace the retro vibe perfectly but feel very much of this time in their execution. And as you would expect from Vacheron Constantin, there are quite a few tasty details.

The Patrimony Manual-Winding

Let’s start with the two Patrimony Manual-Winding models. Both have a 39mm case that is 7.72mm thick with 3-bar water resistance. Furthermore, both watch cases have an all-gold case back, so there is no view of the movement. While part of the joy of owning a Vacheron Constantin is the incredible craftsmanship of the movements, it makes sense that there is no display case back. Watches in the 1950s didn’t have them, so I understand the brand’s train of thought perfectly.

The first model (ref. 1410U/000G-H017) comes with an 18K white gold case matched with an olive-green alligator leather strap with a calfskin lining and white gold buckle. The second model (ref. 1410U/000R-H018) has an 18K pink gold case matched with a light blue alligator strap also lined with calf leather. As expected, the strap is fitted with an 18K pink gold buckle.

The dial details make these watches stand out.

Both Manual-Winding models come with an old-silver-toned dial with a sunburst finish. The dial features pink gold applied indices and hour and minute pencil-style hands. On the dial’s convex periphery, we find the minute track consisting of 18K pink gold applied pearls. This great eye for detail makes this clean dial even more interesting. As you can see, the Maltese cross with the brand’s wordmark is on the upper half of the dial. The only text on the dial’s lower half is “Swiss Made,” straddling the 6 o’clock marker.

Hidden behind the gold case back is Vacheron’s caliber 1440, a movement developed and manufactured in-house. This manual-winding movement has 116 components, measures 22.1mm in diameter, and is only 2.6mm thick. It operates at 28,800vph and has 42 hours of power reserve. In the great Vacheron Constantin tradition, the movement and case also bear the Hallmark of Geneva.

The Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date

The third model is the Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date (ref. 4010U/000G-H070). This watch has a 42.5mm white gold case that is 9.7mm thick and, once again, water resistant to 3 bar. The case is matched with the same olive leather strap as the white gold Manual-Winding model. Like the two other watches, this Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date has the same old-silver-toned dial, gold-pearl minute track, and pencil-style hands.

But there is more to the dial. As you can see, a retrograde date track sits on the upper half, with a moonphase indicator echoing its shape on the lower half. As the dial here is bigger than on the Manual-Winding models, it still feels balanced, and the two complications have plenty of space to breathe. Vacheron Constantin uses its in-house caliber 2460 R31L to power the watch. It’s an automatic movement comprising 275 parts, operating at 28,800vph, and offering 40 hours of power reserve.

Final thoughts on the new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony models

I like the two Patrimony Manual-Winding models. Their updated cases are the perfect size, and the beautiful dial and leather straps complete the look nicely. I prefer the white gold model with the olive-green strap as it looks like a very stylish vintage piece. Unfortunately, Vacheron Constantin lists the prices as “on request,” but the 40mm model is €24,300, so I expect a similar price.

The same goes for the Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date model. That model is in line with the variations already out there but still presents a different aesthetic that makes it a little less classic than its peers. The other white gold Moon Phase Retrograde Date model already in the collection costs €54,500, so I expect a similar price for this new version. Overall, I like what Vacheron Constantin has done with these three new Patrimony watches. The combination of the dial and the strap adds a good bit of flair to them.

For more information, visit the official Vacheron Constantin website. In the comments section, let us know your thoughts on these new releases.