Signalling time and again that it has female collector’s market cornered, Vacheron Constantin has introduced two new timepieces to its repertoire, namely the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar ultra-thin and the Patrimony self-winding.
It’s no secret that women have increasingly become an important demographic for luxury watch brands. In less than a decade, watchmakers have completely expanded their erstwhile portfolio of mostly masculine timepieces with feminine creations that boast both function and form. And it’s high time. No longer are discerning female collectors satisfied with stereotypical bare minimum designs.
With watch brands paying closer attention to women’s needs and demands, we’ve seen an increasing number of stellar watches designed for this growingly discerning demographic. One of the brands that has slowly but surely cornered this market is Vacheron Constantin. To wit, this move is coherent with its storied legacy. Its 267-year heritage is peppered with numerous pocket and wrist watches that have been specifically designed for women. The first ever wristwatch created by Vacheron Constantin was catered for women and was launched in 1889 at the Paris World Fair. One of its first female-specific designs was a sculpted yellow gold, quarter repeater pocket watch from 1838. Distinguished women including the Countess of Luchapt and the Queen of Romania were patrons of the maison as well.
Over the years, it has consistently upped its offerings for women, keeping with the times and with a finger on the pulse of each generation’s stylistic evolution. In 2020, the brand launched the Égérie collection, bridging the intersection between haute couture and haute horlogerie. Replete with visually arresting details, the Égérie collection hit all the right notes: it was feminine, but not dainty. It was lavished with its fair share of precious diamonds but was versatile enough to go from day to night. It was functional too, with a self-winding movement and legible hour, minute and date indicators.
For 2022, the brand has introduced two new additions to its expanding repertoire for women: the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar ultra-thin, and the Patrimony self-winding.
Traditionnelle perpetual calendar ultra-thin
Perpetual calendars have long been considered a feat of watchmaking, and Vacheron Constantin has proven its mettle time and again. The brand applies the same principles of accuracy with the Traditionnelle perpetual calendar ultra-thin which, as its name suggests, measures a scant 8.43mm thick, with a 36.5mm diameter.
Fitted for the first time in the Traditionnelle collection—and for the first time in a women’s watch—calibre 1120 QP is distinguished by its almost parsimonious construction with only 276 components, resulting in an ultra-slim 4.05mm movement that does not scrimp on functionality nor accuracy. The self-winding movement offers a 40-hour power reserve, and showcases the date, month, year (taking into account leap years until the year 2100) as well as a moonphase.
The Traditionnelle perpetual calendar ultra-thin reinforces Vacheron Constantin’s meticulous approach to watchmaking, and each element has been thoughtfully considered to enhance the user experience. The slimmer bezel, for instance, equals to more dial space to accommodate the calendar and time indications, making it easier to read. Then, there are the dauphine hands, gilded markers and stepped lugs and case that all come together in a beautiful, elegant package.
The timepiece is available in two versions: white gold with a blue-grey mother of pearl dial and rose gold with a white mother of pearl dial. Both versions are decked with diamonds on the bezel.
Marking a first for the Traditionnelle collection, this timepiece is also offered with Vacheron Constantin’s self-integrated interchangeable bracelet system, catering to the demands of today’s collectors.
Patrimony self-winding
Recognised for its minimalist aesthetic and ultra-thin case, the Patrimony collection has recently received a dose of feminine charm.
The Patrimony self-winding has been given a mini facelift that serves Vacheron Constantin’s 2022 theme, aptly called The Anatomy of Beauty. This theme is a reinforcement of Vacheron Constantin’s granular attention to each aspect from the watch, from the tiniest of screws to the expansive dial, with each component finished to the highest aesthetic and functional standards.
The new Patrimony retains the elements that have distinguished the collection since its launch in 2004, but with subtle alterations that exalt its distinguished nature. The dial is now slightly domed to magnify the gradient effect. The timepiece also comes with interchangeable straps that can be switched with the simple click of a button.
The ultra-thin in-house 2450 Q6/3 movement offers 40 hours of autonomy and can be viewed from the sapphire case back. Here, the watchmaker’s punctilious nature can be witnessed via the intricately finished components that have been hand decorated with traditional techniques such as the Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges, and a circular grained main plate.
Measuring a wearable 36.5mm, the timepiece comes in four new references: a white gold version with a deep blue dial, and a rose gold one with a blush pink dial. Each of these references are available with diamonds on the minute track, or diamonds on both the minute track and bezel.
Images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Links:
Vacheron Constantin Égérie: A Muse for Women
Vacheron Constantin: The New Romantic
Vacheron Constantin: Traditionelle Extraordinaire
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface
