Over the last ten years, it has become undeniably clear that the Maison’s mastery of watch volumes accentuates its ease in creating high-performance calibers that remain elegant. Vacheron Constantin’s dexterity in the ultra-thin field was already illustrated in 1955 with Caliber 1003, which at 1.64mm thick was then the world’s world thinnest and has continued to delight demanding and aesthetic connoisseurs of Haute Horlogerie ever since. Starting with the French designer known for his ‘simplexity’ concept and who is also a brand partner. For Ora-ïto, the spectacular understatement of the Patrimony perfectly embodies the quest for design that focuses on essentials. Today, watchmaking enthusiasts are well aware that simplicity remains a complex exercise! In this instance, complexity is rewarded with the extremely demanding Hallmark of Geneva, while simplicity shines radiantly on a yellow gold dial skillfully decorated with a tone-on-tone circular motif. A talented architect and keen devotee of astronomy, Ora ïto sees an even greater dimension: ‘this circular movement of light refers to the Baily’s Beads, a spectacular phenomenon that accompanies an eclipse of the sun by the moon’. This effect is further enhanced by the subtly domed shape of the dial swept over by delicately curved gold hands.
For Ora-ïto, the spectacular understatement of the Patrimony perfectly embodies the quest for design that focuses on essentials.
A treasure trove of refined touches, this Patrimony reveals other marvels of creativity through the back of the gold case, whose sapphire crystal first enables observers to admire the openworked Maltese-cross shaped oscillating weight. The gaze then glides over the magnificent manual decorations such as the circular graining on the mainplate and the Côtes de Genève pattern adorning the bridges of in-house Caliber 2450, a little gem measuring just 3.6mm thick. The yin of the content meets the yang of the container.
This is also what Product Marketing & Innovation Director Sandrine Donguy suggests when she says: “Slimness is not just a question of technique, but also a design philosophy that embeds our creations in a rich vein of elegance running through successive ages.” The Ora ïto limited series offers a stunningly stylish take on the Patrimony collection.
Discover more about our articles on the Patrimony collection and our interview with the Director of Style and Heritage here.
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