Hands on review of the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony ref 81180 Limited Edition for Rabat
foversta
The opening of the new Rabat boutique in Barcelona (see my report in HOME forum: www.watchprosite.com
was deserving a commemorative piece. And it was not a big surprise for me to learn that Vacheron Constantin would release one. Why? Simply because Barcelona is the birthplace of Juan-Carlos Torres and he couldn't miss such opportunity to make a kind of tribute to his city.
The limited edition is made of 1 platinum, 5 white gold and 20 pink gold watches. These three versions are based on the Patrimony Reference 81180 which features a 40mn case, a two-hand dial and a handwind movement. They all share in common the same engraved caseback depicting the dragon (or the salamander) of the entrance fountain of the Park Güell. I'm sure you know this multicolored salamander if you visited Barcelona! Like any tourist, you wished to put your hand inside its mouth! It is one of the symbols of Barcelona and one of the most famous works from Gaudi. I wondered what could have been the ideal inspiration for the engraving in this context. And finally, taking into account the proximity of the boutique with the Pedrera, the "Gaudi" atmosphere which is easily palpable, the choice of the salamander seems to be the right one even if the Park Güell is a bit far from Passeig de Gracia.
The decision to use the reference 81180 as the basis for the limited edition also seemed to be appropriate. This two hands watch is the epitome of elegance even though I tend to find it a bit big for its original purpose. With a 40mm diameter, the case is indeed impressive for a relatively pure dial which has no second hand. Fortunately, Vacheron Constantin designers worked to reduce the empty area by extending the indexes length. The case is thin (6,79mm) without being an extra flat one and it manages to avoid the "fried egg" on the wrist effect.
The other benefit to use this reference is obviously the solid caseback which is required for the engraving. This solid caseback is more than welcome since the movement that powers the watch is the caliber 1400 featuring a 4hz frequency and a power reserve of around 40 hours. With an own diameter of 20,65mm, it is in fact too small for the case. The solid caseback and the absence of the second hand on the dial side however manages to hide this discrepancy. And what is the most important for a handwind watch is achieved here: the feeling while winding the movement is nice despite the relatively small crown.
The originality of the watch lies in the salamander engraving. I love the contrast between the contour lines that define the shapes and the more subtle and less marked lines that create the mosaic effect. The color scheme is fundamental for Gaudi's creation. But I found well through the engraving the complexity of the original model. I also appreciated the fact that there is no mention to Rabat on the caseback. Only "Gaudi Barcelona" and the limited edition number are indicated in addition to the traditional references and punches.It may be a detail but it shows that the LE is more a tribute to Barcelona than a Rabat watch even if only available in the Rabat boutiques. And I really like this.
The limited edition is made of 1 platinum, 5 white gold and 20 pink gold watches. These three versions are based on the Patrimony Reference 81180 which features a 40mn case, a two-hand dial and a handwind movement. They all share in common the same engraved caseback depicting the dragon (or the salamander) of the entrance fountain of the Park Güell. I'm sure you know this multicolored salamander if you visited Barcelona! Like any tourist, you wished to put your hand inside its mouth! It is one of the symbols of Barcelona and one of the most famous works from Gaudi. I wondered what could have been the ideal inspiration for the engraving in this context. And finally, taking into account the proximity of the boutique with the Pedrera, the "Gaudi" atmosphere which is easily palpable, the choice of the salamander seems to be the right one even if the Park Güell is a bit far from Passeig de Gracia.
The decision to use the reference 81180 as the basis for the limited edition also seemed to be appropriate. This two hands watch is the epitome of elegance even though I tend to find it a bit big for its original purpose. With a 40mm diameter, the case is indeed impressive for a relatively pure dial which has no second hand. Fortunately, Vacheron Constantin designers worked to reduce the empty area by extending the indexes length. The case is thin (6,79mm) without being an extra flat one and it manages to avoid the "fried egg" on the wrist effect.
The other benefit to use this reference is obviously the solid caseback which is required for the engraving. This solid caseback is more than welcome since the movement that powers the watch is the caliber 1400 featuring a 4hz frequency and a power reserve of around 40 hours. With an own diameter of 20,65mm, it is in fact too small for the case. The solid caseback and the absence of the second hand on the dial side however manages to hide this discrepancy. And what is the most important for a handwind watch is achieved here: the feeling while winding the movement is nice despite the relatively small crown.
The originality of the watch lies in the salamander engraving. I love the contrast between the contour lines that define the shapes and the more subtle and less marked lines that create the mosaic effect. The color scheme is fundamental for Gaudi's creation. But I found well through the engraving the complexity of the original model. I also appreciated the fact that there is no mention to Rabat on the caseback. Only "Gaudi Barcelona" and the limited edition number are indicated in addition to the traditional references and punches.It may be a detail but it shows that the LE is more a tribute to Barcelona than a Rabat watch even if only available in the Rabat boutiques. And I really like this.
The Platinum Version (therefore an unique piece) offers a silver dial
while the white gold version is distinguished by its slate-colored dial. It is the opposite (if I'm not wrong) to what is available in the permanent collection. The pink gold version uses its usual opaline dial.
The original salamander (aka El Drac in Bercelona):
If this limited edition is not really surprising, the nod to Gaudi an to Barcelona contributes to its charm. Juan-Carlos Torres could not miss this opportunity, through the opening of the new Rabat boutique, to pay this tribute. The natural elegance of the Patrimony and the boldness of the Gaudi's work which is expressed by the theme of the engraving combine with harmony like the multiple facets of Barcelona. In any case, beyond the interests of this limited edition, Vacheron Constantin demonstrates its support to one of its dealers by accompanying its ambition of growth with a dedicated watch released for the opening of a new point of sale.
Pros:
+ the simplicity and elegance of the Patrimony 81180
+ the slate dial of the white gold version
+ the theme of the engraving
+ the very limited number of pieces available in platinum and white gold (1 + 5)
Cons:
- a somewhat inert dial
- a rather large case size for an elegant watch
This message has been edited by foversta on 2015-11-01 14:09:53 The original salamander (aka El Drac in Bercelona):
If this limited edition is not really surprising, the nod to Gaudi an to Barcelona contributes to its charm. Juan-Carlos Torres could not miss this opportunity, through the opening of the new Rabat boutique, to pay this tribute. The natural elegance of the Patrimony and the boldness of the Gaudi's work which is expressed by the theme of the engraving combine with harmony like the multiple facets of Barcelona. In any case, beyond the interests of this limited edition, Vacheron Constantin demonstrates its support to one of its dealers by accompanying its ambition of growth with a dedicated watch released for the opening of a new point of sale.
I would like to thank a lot the Rabat family for the warm welcome in Barcelona.
+ the simplicity and elegance of the Patrimony 81180
+ the slate dial of the white gold version
+ the theme of the engraving
+ the very limited number of pieces available in platinum and white gold (1 + 5)
Cons:
- a somewhat inert dial
- a rather large case size for an elegant watch
Comments:
Speedie74 aka Mr. Torquise November 2nd, 2015-00:42
Many thanks for this nice review! But, maybe I am too blind, but I couldn't recognise the dragon! I see the engraving but I don't see a dragon! Have you got other pics from the engeaving? Anyway, I am love in the slate dial, and I think it would be fine also for the platinum version! The figur...
jtodd November 5th, 2015-06:28
With apologies to Foversta for butchering his picture (and to Mr. Torres for butchering his watch)... here is a sketch of the orientation of the dragon on the engraving. The black lines are the 4 legs and backbone. (The forelegs are on the left of the picture.) The red are the jaws. Once you see it, it is a but more obvious. ...
foversta November 5th, 2015-13:11
ah ah! Maybe you have to blame Gaudi and not Vacheron Constantin! ;-)
COUNT DE MONET November 2nd, 2015-01:38
a watch for the local hero, Lokal-Matador in German is a real pun here This is for, lovers of larger watches, a very nice watch. For lovers of classic sized watches it could have been an all time great. Best Moritz
Mark in Paris November 2nd, 2015-09:13
I always liked the Contemporaine a very pure and beautifully designed case especially. And so is the dial. We were talking about plain caseback lately: this is an example of how it can be done! Thanks for this very well written report Fx Cheers, Mark
Artoxares November 4th, 2015-07:18
Beautiful The slate dial is to die for... Many thanks for the information. All the best, Nicolas
0-10-6
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