It was in 1755 that Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his watch making factory in Geneva and  holding fast traditional standards and craftsmanship, watches are still produced which are exemplars of haute horology and which require superlatives to adequately describe them.  Steeped in an ethos which upholds the watchmaker’s art Vacheron Constantin has through the years developed and innovated without losing sight of the principles of hand craftsmanship and its timepieces still testify to the artisans’ skills.

Focused as they are on presenting perfection in horology, they have gained worldwide renown. In 1906 they opened their first boutique. This year they opened their boutique in New York.

This is a watchmaker steeped in tradition, honouring the past in their elegant timepieces whose classical faces and cases enclose within, beautifully sculpted movements.

2007 – The Patrimony Traditionelle

Introduced in 2007 the Traditionelle line of the Patrimony collection is an expression of present haute horology at its most perfect with the exquisite elegance of its predecessors.

The name establishes its lineage and states unequivocally the values which have shaped it; respect for the past, wonderfully finished and remarkable technology. For whilst honouring tradition Vacheron Constantin is not locked in it, but constantly advances and is at the cutting edge of development. When introduced in 2007 it offered, for example, the new exclusive manual-winding movement. Tradition and innovation united.

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Chronograph

Reminiscent of the clean lines of watches of the 1930s and 40s, this is a timepiece which is entrancing.  It has purity of line.  It is refined.  It is not ostentatious.  It has subtlety.  It stirs the soul. Nothing intrudes on the symmetry of the face. It is for the connoisseur, delicate in its detailing, aesthetically appealing, individualised in its styling, telling so much and yet appearing uncluttered.  Detail does not distract and there should be no detractors only applause for this superb timepiece.

The Case

The case is deceptively simple but it is not.  It has been meticulously fashioned so that from every angle it is in harmony and pleasing to the eye. Round, flawless, the edges gently bevelled and sweeping the case enfolds the face and movement.

It is presented in 18 ct. pink gold which imbues the face with a warm glow.  The principle crown is recessed and bears the Maltese Cross, the Vacheron Constantin logo adopted in 1880.  The two chronograph crowns are rectangular but their upper face is gently curved to follow the flowing roundness of the case. With that same attention to detail they are framed by a delicately sculpted surround.  With similar care, complimenting the classic round of case and face, the horns curve fluidly and are complimented by a brown alligator strap with a pink gold deployant clasp.

Although 42 mm in width it has a sleek elegance, unlike some watches of that dimension where size dominates, here elegance holds sway.

With a sapphire crystal back the owner can also take delight in viewing the movement. A further touch clarions the care and attention accorded to every feature in the delicate knurling which enfolds it.

The pursuit of aesthetic perfection does not mean that practical issues have been ignored. It is water resistant to 30 metres and has a power reserve of 48 hours.

That exquisite face

The silvered opaline dial has great clarity. The minutes are marked at five minute intervals with simple gold strokes and small Arabic numbers in black. The same style of numbering is maintained throughout for the chronograph timings around the outer circumference. Once again everything is in harmony.

Symmetry is maintained by the placing of the 30 minute chronograph counter sub-dial at 3 o’clock and the small seconds’ sub-dial counter at 9 o’clock.  The 30 minute carries the numbers 5, 15 and 25; the small second 15, 30, 45, 60. The tacymeter scale is presented on the outer dial. Again there is the same pleasing uniformity of numbering.  The whole façade has balance and is unpretentious.

The hands are crafted in gold like the blade of a slender sword whilst the second hand is elongated, graceful and black, echoing the thin lines of the second and minute marks, again that classic simplicity and unity.

Nothing is out of tune.  The detailing is fine, elegant.  The logo is in gold, the Vacheron Constantin name in its familiar form, simple, black, upper case lettering. There is no need to boast.  This watch has eye-appeal without showy ornament.  It is for those who appreciate refinement.

Gaze within

The wearer can enjoy viewing the movement, courtesy of the sapphire crystal back which has an anti-reflective coating and is screwed down. Absorb the details.

The movement is the legendary respected 1141 calibre, a manual-winding mechanical column wheel chronograph movement. It beats at 18,000 vph and contains 21 jewels. From the gold set rubies to the lettering of its credentials, those uppermost etched in gold, take time to enjoy and savour the craftsmanship.

A worthy exemplar of the watchmaker’s artistry

This watch has aesthetic appeal and a wonderful movement.  It gladdens the soul.

All elements come together in perfect harmony.  There is no discord.  It honours the skills of haute horology past and present.