The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony is like that staple cashmere jumper people secretly want to add to their wardrobes — but don't make a song and dance about. With its slender case, clean dial and major old-school vibes, few watches whisper quiet luxury quite like it. While it has a distinctive '50s vintage feel, the Patrimony was launched in 2004, a time when understated luxury was definitely not on-trend (that year bulky Ugg boots, low-rise denim and Von Dutch caps dominated the fashion scene).
“The round, slender case and the Patrimony's minimalist design gives it a classy and timeless look of the 1950s," says watch expert Christian Schmidt from Mr Nice Watch . "I would go so far as to say that it is the pinnacle of dress watches .” For Schmidt, it’s for people in-the know.
“Vacheron Constantin still has understatement potential and, compared to brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet , has always been a brand for connoisseurs,” he adds. This year, Vacheron Constantin celebrated the Patrimony turning 20 with a collaboration with French designer Ora ïto. The watch, released in a limited-edition run of 100 pieces, comes with a trippy, wave-like concentric dial, using the domed shaped of the standard model.
Speaking about this collaboration over a recent video call, Sandrine Donguy , product and innovation director at Vacheron Constantin, says it was interesting to work alongside an artist. “When you are combining two fields, what pops up together is alw.
