Vacheron Constantin is the subject of our review with its Patrimony Retrograde Day Date from the brand’s Patrimony Collection known with its classic dress watch style designs.
The model from the brand’s Patrimony Collection that includes traditionally designed timepieces is offered in an 18K pink gold case. The case, which fits into the typical dress watch style with its thin bezel, elegant winding crown and balanced lugs, measures a whopping 42.50mm in diameter. Still rests within the comfortable zone with its 9.70mm total height, the case offers an oversized look due to its relatively large diameter. 42.50mm may be a reasonable size for users with large wrists or watch enthusiasts who wants their watches no less than 40mm in diameter irrespectively of their style, but I still think 39mm diameter would make this watch look far more elegant. The case is equipped with scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and is water resistant to 30 meters / 3 bars.
The model has a stylish dial designed in Retrograde lay-out. The dial, which is designed to display its day and date functions via pointer hands comes with a light creamy colored background that suits beautifully with the 18K pink gold case. Accompanied with pink gold hands and indexes, the dial offers optimum legibility. The scale located at the upper half of the dial displays the date feature while the indicator at the lower half is used for showing the day function with their designated pointer hands.
I am not a big fan of Retrograde style dials. However, I believe this particular dial is a beautiful one thanks to its perfect legibility and uncluttered lay-out which is a result of the relatively large diameter.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day Date (Ref. 4000U / 000R-B110) is powered by the brand’s manufacture Caliber 2460 R31R7 / 2. 276 parts (27 jewels) self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound. The movement, which can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back, is equipped with a solid 22K gold oscillating rotor and is Hallmark of Geneva certified.
The model is offered on a hand sewn brown alligator strap that is secured with an 18K pink gold folding clasp designed in the form of the Maltese cross like the brand’s emblem.
I might say that I kind of like the model. Leaving aside the oversized case diameter, I think it is a very nice dress watch with a beautiful lay-out and color palette. Considering the brand prestige and the rarity of the Retrograde style timepieces in the market, it is obviously a very strong alterative in its class. If you are OK with having all those assets in a 42.50mm case, do not think twice...
