To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Patrimony collection, the Vacheron Constantin Boutique on Av. da Liberdade in Lisbon is hosting the Patrimony Heritage exhibition, open until May 6th.
The Patrimony collection, from the maison Vacheron Constantin, has been passed down from generation to generation, remaining true to its essence. Timeless, it is naturally attuned to each era, having captured the undeniable spirit of modernity that surrounded the 1950s — a decade marked by creative fervor, renewal, and optimism, a decade in which fashion underwent a major revolution, with design ingeniously playing with curves and straight lines and architecture expressing itself primarily through pure forms.
Twenty years of elegance
Since the first model presented in 2004 – the manually wound Patrimony faithful in every aspect to the inspiring reference of 1957 – the collection has welcomed numerous watch complications, without abandoning its identity codes. Perpetual calendar, retrograde displays, minute repeater, ultra-thin calibers, and major watch complications have marked the last 20 years, never diminishing the formal sobriety of the Patrimony.
A selection of watches that harks back to the origin of the Patrimony collection
The epitome of stylistic purity, the selection of watches harks back to the origin of the Patrimony collection, highlighting the collection’s lines, a unique expression of harmony between mechanical excellence, aesthetic discretion, and the concept of “simplicity” that perfectly characterizes Vacheron Constantin.
“Disco Volante” Pocket Watch – 1965 (Ref. 6345)
In perfect harmony with the 60s era, this ultra-thin model in rose gold is the pocket version of a watch nicknamed “Disco-Volante” by Italian collectors. It is characterized by its beveled case, also known as “knife edge,” designed to accentuate the very thin thickness of the piece, essential to allow the use of Caliber 1003. This reference is equipped with the legendary manual-winding Caliber 1003 of 9”.
Wristwatch with Bracelet – 1958 (ref. 6264)
Designed in the 1950s, this conventional round ultra-thin watch embodied Vacheron Constantin’s classic style, offering exceptional reliability at the same time. The absence of decoration with strange elements and the controlled design, but extreme attention to every detail, serves to accentuate the clean lines and beauty of a timeless style. In yellow gold from 1958, known as “Reference 6264” and part of the maison’s private collection, it served as inspiration for the “Patrimony” collection with its minimalist approach. Composed only of round watches that focus on the essentials, in a refined style that represents its strength and charm, the collection includes this model, with a silver dial punctuated by radiant indices. The case, with a wide opening on the dial, is equipped with very short lugs to not disturb the delicately balanced shapes and elegance of a semi-flat model typical of this time. To fit the narrow shape of the case, the watch features a movement of remarkable elegance; the manual-winding movement caliber 1002, with central seconds.
Wristwatch with Bracelet – 1976 (ref. 34001)
Reference 34001 suggests a design aligned with the artistic trends of watchmaking in the 1970s: aesthetic minimalism, monochromatic touch dial, lugs, and a thin case. Ultra-flat, the piece with simple lines and refined design embodies Vacheron Constantin’s classic style, without compromising its high reliability. Equipped with caliber 1014, an ultra-thin manual-winding movement, its finishes highlight the maison’s uncompromising approach to mechanical watchmaking, relying on aesthetic sophistication as one of its greatest assets.
The Patrimony collection is an icon of timeless elegance. Its unique circular shape allows it to accommodate all types of movements, from the simplest models to the most sophisticated watch complications, divided into two lines: Contemporary and Traditionnelle. Patrimony Contemporary reflects sophistication and elegance, observed in the slim case, austere design, sharply defined lines, and minute hand with a pearled finish; Patrimony Traditionnelle encompasses models with major complications, dauphine hands, stepped case and lugs, fluted caseback, and railroad-style minute hand.
