Vacheron Constantin: Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date Excellence Platine

With its “Collection Excellence Platine” concept launched in 2006, Vacheron Constantin produces exceptional watches for collectors, all in limited editions. As its name suggests, 950 platinum is the signature feature of this assortment crafted from this noble metal, from case to dial and buckle, while even the midnight blue alligator leather strap is hand-stitched with platinum and silk threads. 

This year, the Patrimony moon phase retrograde date watch presented for the first time in 2017 will be the centre piece of this exceptional collection. Its 42.5 mm round case houses the self-winding Manufacture 2460 R31L calibre with 40-hour power reserve, precision moon phase, along with a retrograde pointer-type date display. For enhanced user friendliness, all function settings are performed via the crown. 

The transparent sapphire caseback provides a chance to admire this 275-part movement, notably the circular-grained surface of its mainplate and its openworked 22-carat gold oscillating weight inspired by Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese cross emblem. 

The Secret Signature

The secret signature on sand-blasted dial of the Patrimony moon phase retrograde date watch is the inscription «Pt 950» between 4 and 5 o’clock. The moon-phase disc, which can be admired through an aperture at 6 o’clock, is also in platinum with a polished surface on the stars and a grained texture for the moon circlesimitating the visible irregularities of the lunar surface. The dial is slightly convex around its circumference and punctuated by applied 18-carat white gold hour-markers, appearing at intervals around a likewise white gold “pearl” minute-track. The baton- type hands are made of the same metal, blued for the date pointer for enhanced readability. 

The moon phases are displayed through an aperture at 6 o’clock, graduated from 0 to 291⁄2, serving to count off the number of days elapsed since the last new moon. This horological complication, known as the age of the moon, corresponds to the actual cycle of this heavenly body, which rotates around the Earth in exactly 29 days, 12 hours and 45 minutes. The precision moon phases mechanism requires a one-day correction only once every 122 years. 

The second complication – a retrograde date indication by means of the central hand – occupies the upper part of the dial. To ensure user friendliness, all operations are performed via the crown: winding, date correction, moon-phase adjustment and time-setting. 

The new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony moon phase retrograde date Collection Excellence Platine is a limited edition of only 50 pieces and available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin boutiques at a price of € 72.500.