SIHH 2009: PRESS RELEASE: Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm Watch

PRESS RELEASE: Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm - Vacheron Constantin’s new 4400 calibre makes its entrance

A tribute to the timepieces made by the Manufacture from the 1930’s to the 1950’s, the new 38 mm Patrimony Traditionnelle is part of a true horological tradition.

Its pure lines and harmonious proportions are a strong assertion of its classic character. With its fine bezel, knurled case middle, screw-down sapphire crystal back, faceted trapezoid hourmarkers, dauphine hands and multi-toned dial, this new model sublimates the identifying aesthetic features of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line.

At the heart of its case lies Vacheron Constantin’s new manual-winding 4400 calibre, designed and manufactured in toto by the brand’s Research & Development Department in the Joux Valley. Thanks to its impressive barrel, this new movement has a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. It displays the hours and minutes as well as a small seconds at 6 o’clock. And in addition to Vacheron Constantin’s exceptional finishing - always discreet and simple in appearance - the 4400 calibre is stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

Conceived in the purest Haute Horlogerie tradition but developed with today’s cutting-edge technology, the new manual-winding 4400 calibre is distinguished by its 12.5’’’ (28.50 mm) diameter, a size specially designed for contemporary cases.

Vacheron Constantin’s designers and watchmakers used this dimension to create the perfect combination of technique and aesthetics. Complying with the twelve criteria required for the Hallmark of Geneva, this new movement meets the even higher demands of decoration and finishing.

True to the Vacheron Constantin tradition, all the surfaces of the plate, bridges and other major components are hand-decorated, including those that are not visible. Such quality hand-finishing is an integral part of Vacheron Constantin’s philosophy and distinguishes all its movements.

A contemporary testimony to the most authentic watchmaking tradition, this new Patrimony Traditionnelle timepiece comes in a 38-mm 18K pink gold case.

The manual-winding movement and its finishing can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback. Thanks to both its technical and aesthetic qualities, the 38 mm Patrimony Traditionnelle is already on its way to becoming a benchmark in the world of classic Haute Horlogerie and a must for connoisseurs.

TECHNICAL DATA
Reference Patrimony Traditionnelle 38mm 82172/000R-9382

Movement 4400, developed and produced Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Energy mechanical, manual-winding
Height of movement 2.8 mm
Diameter of movement 28.50 mm
Jewels 21 rubies
Frequency 28'800 vibrations/hours

Indications Hours, minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock
Power-reserve Approx. 65 hours

Case 18K 5N pink gold
38.00 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
Finely snailed counter at 6 o’clock
Black painted minute-track

Strap Brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled alligator leather

Clasp Buckle in 18K 5N pink gold, polished half Maltese cross