Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, early 2000s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Why We Love It The Holy Trinity of watch brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin. Generally less understood than either of its respected compatriots, Vacheron Constantin has a legacy of producing some of the very finest high horology complications in history - and some of the loveliest. Sports watches came later to VC, as pressure from the new 'Sports Luxury' category introduced in the early 1970s forced the storied brand to evolve - but historically, classically styled dress pieces is where Vacheron cut their teeth. The Patrimony line is to Vacheron as the Calatrava line is to Patek Philippe. This particular example, a Patrimony dating to the early 2000s, remains in excellent condition throughout. Featuring an 18k yellow gold case, a white "tapisserie" textured dial with applied gold indices and a matching stick handset, a sapphire crystal, and an automatic winding movement. Additionally, this piece comes with its factory stylized 18k pin buckle and its full kit! With its timeless and endlessly appealing looks - combined with extensive pedigree, this is a great opportunity to snag an excellent heirloom quality timepiece from one of the very best in the business! The Story Few manufactures can claim a lineage as long or as rich as Vacheron Constantin. Established in 1755, the manufacture soon made a reputation for the elegance of its products, by making pocket watches with complicated movements and engine-turned dials. Even today, these are marks of a manufacture’s expertise, due to the skill and precision involved in crafting them, so for Vacheron Constantin to have achieved this in the eighteenth century is quite an impressive feat. This expertise carried them through the 19th century, earning gold medals at National Exhibitions and blazing trails in the area of anti-magnetic timepieces. The 20th century saw further achievements, such as the opening of its boutique on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it still resides today. Even through the Depression and the Second World War, when many watch companies were forced to band together with competitors or else face closure, the manufacture continued to thrive—as it does to this day.