SIHH 2009: PRESS RELEASE: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Chronograph Watch

PRESS RELEASE: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Chronograph Watch

All the aesthetic characteristics of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line – the fine bezel, the knurling around the sapphire crystal back, the dauphine hands, and the dials in several historically-inspired shades of silver - are present and correct in this new Haute Horlogerie chronograph. Although only recently launched, it has already become a benchmark of the genre with collectors. In short, it is endowed with very strong aesthetic and technical arguments.

Watch enthusiasts will have realised already that everything about this contemporary timepiece is a tribute to the best of the watchmaking tradition. For a start, there is the legendary 1141 calibre column-wheel chronograph, a movement that has become so famous that it has joined the ranks of Vacheron Constantin classics.

Recognised by all the experts as one of the most technically and aesthetically accomplished movements and equipped with a magnificent balance reminiscent of the 1940’s, the manual-winding 1141 calibre is reserved for exceptional models. This valuable addition to the Patrimony Traditionnelle line has been housed in the collection’s characteristically classic case, unpretentious and extremely elegant.

Another distinguishing feature of this new Vacheron Constantin chronograph is its silvered opaline dial with two counters characteristic of the 1940’s, the chronograph’s golden age. The 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock and the small seconds at 9 o’clock give the dial perfect balance. The Manufacture’s designers have taken full advantage of the case’s impressive 42-mm diameter to guarantee optimum legibility of all the indications, including the tachometer scale on the dial rim.

The 18K pink gold case has been tested for water-resistance to a pressure of 3 Bar, the equivalent of 30 metres. Like the other models in this line, it has a sapphire crystal back through which one can admire the unique and characteristic geometry of the manual-winding 1141 chronograph movement and its exemplary finishing. The 1141 also has a 48-hour power reserve.

TECHNICAL DATA
Reference Patrimony Traditionnelle Chronograph 47192/000R-9352

Movement 1141
Energy Mechanical, manual-winding
Height of movement 5.6 mm
Diameter of movement 27.00 mm
Jewels 21 rubies
Frequency 18’000 vibrations/hour

Indications Hours, Minutes
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Column-wheel chronograph
30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
Centre chronograph hand
Power-reserve Approx. 45 hours


Case 18K 5N pink gold
42 mm in diameter
Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inside, convex
Back transparent, sapphire crystal, screwed-down
Water-resistance 3 bar, equivalent to 30 metres

Dial Silvered opaline
3 finely snailed counter at 3 and 9 o’clock
Black painted minute-track

Strap Brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled alligator leather
Clasp 18K 5N pink gold folding clasp, polished half Maltese cross