Vacheron Constantin

New Release: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Small Second

 

A tribute to the creations by the Manufacture during the period running from the 1930s to the
1950s, the Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds watch is heir to an authentic horological
tradition. It powerfully displays its timeless nature through pure lines and harmonious
proportions. Featuring a slender bezel, a fluted screw-down caseback with an inset sapphire
crystal, 18-carat white gold applied hour-markers, dauphine hands and a dial in several
shades: this model sublimates the aesthetic codes of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line.

This new timepieces meets the requirements of the Poinçon de Genève or Hallmark of
Geneva, which are no longer confined to the movement alone, but now also take account of
the finished watch. This is a major evolution for the label that celebrated its 125th anniversary
in 2011 and has opted to cater more fully than ever to the true expectations of an ever more
informed clientele.


The 950 platinum case frames a slate grey dial displaying the perpetual cycle of time. Long
applied 18-carat white gold hour-markers, punctuated by a painted white minute circle
standing out against a black background, create a pleasingly rhythmical visual effect. The
quest for simplicity is reflected in the elegantly traditional sweep of the hands and expressed
through refined execution imbued with a timeless, eminently horological spirit.

Throbbing at the heart of the case is the hand-wound Vacheron Constantin 4400 movement.
Developed and crafted in harmony with the most demanding standards of the Geneva Fine
Watchmaking traditions, it beats at a rate of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour) and displays the
hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o’clock. It has an approximately 65-hour power
reserve. Both its finishing and its conception testify to superlative craftsmanship. Not only are
the main flat surfaces of the movement adorned with a meticulous “Côtes de Genève” motif,
but their angles are also bevelled and hand-polished, as are the screw heads.


To accommodate in due style this expression of mechanical genius, Vacheron Constantin has
designed the case of its new Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds according to two criteria.
While its elegantly slender profile proudly proclaims its loyalty to the classical tradition, its
38 mm diameter endows it with an unmistakably contemporary dimension. Moreover, its
exhibition caseback is fitted with a sapphire crystal serving to admire the hand-wound 4400
movement.

Setting the finishing touch to this model, Vacheron Constantin has fitted its new Patrimony
Traditionnelle small seconds with a black Mississipiensis alligator leather strap fastened by a
950 platinum pin buckle.

TECHNICAL DATA

Reference 82172/000P-9811
Patrimony Traditionnelle small seconds
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Caliber 4400 AS, Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Energy Mechanical hand-wound
Movement diameter 28.60 mm (12’’’ ½ )
Movement thickness 2.80 mm
Jewels 21
Number of components 127
Frequency 4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
Indications Hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o’clock
Power reserve approx. 65 hours
Case Platinum 950
38 mm diameter, 7.77 mm thickness
Transparent caseback
Water resistance Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres)
Dial Slate grey opaline
White painted indications
Bracelet Black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with alligator
leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square
scales
Clasp Platinum 950 buckle
Polished half Maltese cross
Texts and pictures available under media.vacheron.com (code pin: SMALLSECONDS)
Photo Credit: M Design
Copyright: Vacheron Constantin