Patrimony

MAJESTIC IN SIZE, CLASSIC IN STYLE, ITS SPARE LINES ASSERT THE PATRIMONY GRANDE TAILLE'S PATRICIAN PERSONALITY ITS SWEEPING ROUND CASE HOUSES A PROPRIETARY MOVEMENT BEARING THE HALLMARK OF GENEVA INDICATION OF QUALITY AND ORIGIN.

A large, trim, perfectly round case featuring a broad, understated dial and a proprietary hand-wound mechanical movement compose the new Patrimony Grande Taille launched this year by Vacheron Constantin and designed for men with an eye for exceptional design. Its patrician personality is manifest at first sight. With its slim profile and deliberately unadorned face, this new Patrimony Grande Taille embodies the classic heritage of a maker born nearly two and a half centuries ago, amply confirmed by the exceptional movement that brings it to life.

Designed and crafted according to the most demanding standards of Genevan horology at its finest, the Vacheron Constantin caliber 1400 hand-wound mechanical movement can rightly claim the title of "mouvement manufacture", i.e. a proprietary design born of the experience and expertise of the company's own team of master watchmakers and made on its own premises.

Since the essential phases of caliber 1400's construction all take place on the territory of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, this movement can legitimately be inscribed with the Hallmark of Geneva indication of provenance, a mark of quality attesting the exceptional excellence of its design and finish. Here for instance, all appropriately flat areas of the movement are decorated with a ribbed "Côtes de Genève" pattern, sharp angles chamfered then, along with all flat screw heads, polished by hand.

To house this accomplished demonstration of Genevan mechanical genius, Vacheron Constantin stylists have designed the 18K yellow or white gold case of the Patrimony Grande Taille according to two sets of aesthetic norms rarely applied in tandem. While the stylish slimness of its profile salutes the classic tradition, its 40-millimeter diameter provides a distinct contemporary touch.

Framed by the case's slim polished bezel and protected by a clear sapphire crystal, the dial face is slightly cambered at its outer edge and displays a broad pale silvery finish with subtle opalescent luster, enhanced only by discreet 18K gold hour markers and domed minute dots. A pair of baton-shaped hands, also in 18K gold, add to the watch's understated distinction, confirmed by the "Maltese cross" signature at its center.

Fitted with a matching 18K gold standard prong-type gold clasp, the Patrimony Grande Taille's classic alligator mississipiensis strap comes in black for the white gold model and in maroon for the yellow gold design.