Twenty years after its debut, Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony collection has reached a significant milestone. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, the storied Swiss maison has introduced a limited-edition Patrimony self-winding model, enriched by the creative vision of French designer Ora ïto.
Known for his “Simplexity” concept – where simplicity masks a hidden complexity – Ora ïto brings a modern interpretation to the collection, while respecting the core values of purity and refinement that have defined the Patrimony since its inception in 2004.
Only 100 pieces of this special edition will be available, combining Ora ïto’s contemporary design ethos with Vacheron Constantin’s centuries-old savoir-faire. Together, they celebrate two decades of Patrimony excellence with a creation that looks to the future, without losing sight of its timeless heritage.
The Power of Less
When Vacheron Constantin first launched the Patrimony collection in 2004, it was seen by many as a breath of fresh air in the world of high-end watchmaking, a choice that has continued to resonate with connoisseurs to this day.
Where other brands and collections aimed for grandeur and spectacle, the Patrimony stood apart with a philosophy grounded in minimalism. Its round case, slim bezel and elegantly curved dial were all hallmarks inspired by 1950s watch design, an era that prized refinement over ostentation.
Over the years, the Patrimony’s design has remained largely unchanged, a testament to the maison’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing the present.
As Sandrine Donguy, Vacheron Constantin’s Product Marketing and Innovation Director, aptly puts it: “The Patrimony collection continues this tradition of extreme understatement, confirming Vacheron Constantin's desire to create watches that are both modern and timeless.”
Now, for the Patrimony’s 20th anniversary, this design philosophy meets Ora ïto’s fresh perspective. The Paris-based designer – a Vacheron Constantin “One of Not Many” talent celebrated for his work across architecture, furniture and product design – has been a long-standing admirer of the Patrimony. His concept of "Simplexity" aligns seamlessly with the collection's DNA, refreshing the classic Patrimony without overshadowing the legacy that makes it an icon of minimalist design.
Classic Meets Contemporary
The dial of this anniverary model remains quintessential Patrimony, but is reimagined with Ora ïto’s distinctive design touch. Its surface is adorned with concentric circles that create a visual rhythm as they ripple outwards from the centre, catching the light in a way that is at once subtle and mesmerising – a perfect reflection of the Patrimony’s ability to balance simplicity with sophistication.
And then there’s the gold. Yellow gold, to be precise. The dial, case, hour markers, curved hands and even the delicate minute ‘pearls’ are rendered in this noble metal, lending the watch a vintage flair that harks back to mid-century watchmaking excellence.
As Donguy explains: “Yellow gold naturally holds a special place in the technical, precious and decorative approach to watchmaking art that the maison has adopted ever since its founding.”
The applied markers, polished and sleek, sit like delicate accents on the dial. Together with the minute track, highlighted by the signature micro-orb 'pearls', they maintain coherence with the classic Patrimony aesthetic. The tone-on-tone date at 6 o’clock is so subtle it nearly disappears – a quiet reminder that functionality doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.
Measuring 40mm in diameter and just 8.55mm in thickness, the case maintains the slim profile that has defined the Patrimony collection since its inception. Its elegant curves and polished surfaces reflect the light beautifully, while the fine detailing – from the refined bezel to the flowing lugs – speaks to the maison’s mastery of proportion.
Inside the Patrimony
As any watch aficionado will tell you, the true beauty of a Vacheron Constantin timepiece often lies beneath the dial, and this limited edition is no exception. At its heart is the in-house, self-winding Calibre 2450, a mainstay of the Patrimony collection since 2006. Its slim 3.60mm profile allows the case to remain impressively thin.
Visible through the sapphire caseback and cut-outs in the openworked gold rotor, this movement is a sight to behold, meeting Geneva seal standards. Indeed, the mainplate is adorned with circular graining and the bridges are decorated with Geneva waves.
A Strap that Speaks Volumes
The yellow gold case is paired with a burgundy calfskin strap, embossed with geometric motifs inspired by the 1970s, giving the watch a different kind of retro edge.
The strap’s rectangular pattern contrasts strikingly with the circular geometry of the dial, creating a visual tension that is both intriguing and elegant. Finished with an 18K yellow gold pin buckle in the shape of Vacheron Constantin’s iconic half Maltese cross, this final detail keeps the watch firmly anchored in the maison’s rich history.
A Testament to Time
As Vacheron Constantin celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Patrimony collection, this limited-edition model serves as a fitting tribute to the enduring appeal of understated design. While trends may come and go, the Patrimony’s quiet elegance has remained constant, reminding us that true beauty often lies in simplicity.
In the words of Ora ïto: “A good design wasn’t created to be disposed of after a period of usage, it is designed around essentials to make it eternal.” Indeed, with this collaboration, Vacheron Constantin has proven that the Patrimony will continue to be a masterpiece of understated luxury, long after this anniversary has passed.
To find out more, please visit the Vacheron Constantin website.
