Introduction: In the world of luxury watches, Vacheron Constantin is renowned for its serious and timeless designs. However, breaking away from its traditional mold, the brand introduces a playful twist with the platinum-clad Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date watch featuring a captivating salmon dial. Let’s delve into the intriguing details that make this dress watch both quirky and sophisticated.
A Leap Beyond Tradition: Vacheron Constantin, known for its conservative approach, surprises enthusiasts with the unconventional combination of a bi-retrograde day-date display and a salmon-colored dial. The daring move challenges the brand’s established comfort zone, pushing boundaries without compromising the essence of its 269-year heritage.
Design and Wearability: The Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date asserts its presence with a larger 42.5mm width, making it a standout among dress watches. The casual veneer, emphasized by a wide dial and slim bezel, positions it as a potential daily companion for individuals navigating big-city life. The 22mm-wide lugs add a touch of robustness, balancing the watch’s elegance, while the petite crown adds a hint of charm.
However, the 9.7mm thickness teeters on the edge of being too substantial for the genre. Despite this, the pebble-like integration of case, bezel, and sapphire crystal, along with the distinctive lugs, contributes character and visual appeal.
Craftsmanship Challenges and Triumphs: Crafted in platinum, a notoriously challenging material, the watch showcases a familiar case design. While the finish demonstrates Vacheron Constantin’s mastery, some may yearn for additional edges or variations in the design. The watch is powered by the Calibre 2460 R31R7/3, a movement boasting intricate details but leaving room for improvement in autonomy.
The standout feature lies in the exquisite finishing, with a self-winding rotor in solid gold stealing the spotlight. The Geneva Seal stamp attests to the watch’s precision, with polished countersinks and screwheads adding a final touch of elegance.
Dial Details and Retrograde Movement: The dial unveils charming details, including tiny applied dots as minute markers, a rare design element that adds allure. Blue, open-worked arrow hands operate in a retrograde fashion, snapping back to the starting point with precision. This unique movement enhances the watch’s overall appeal, combining beauty with functionality.
Finishing Touch: Completing the package is a double folding clasp in 950 platinum, adorned with intricate surface treatments and the iconic Maltese cross. Surprisingly complex, it adds an extra layer of sophistication to the watch, contrasting with the simplicity of the case.
Price and Conclusion: While the price remains undisclosed by Vacheron Constantin, enthusiasts can expect to invest around USD 70,000 in acquiring the Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date. In conclusion, this dress watch transcends conventions, marrying quirkiness with craftsmanship, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking elegance with a touch of playfulness in their timepiece collection.