Vacheron Constantin Skeleton Patrimony Traditionnelle

Skeleton Patrimony Traditionnelle

A eulogy to transparency

Only the combination of several traditional Haute Horlogerie crafts could give life to such works of art. Using transparency and light to transform a watch movement into an aerial ballet of pierced bridges and gear-trains is an art that Vacheron Constantin mastered long ago, an art requiring complementary skills: that of the master watchmaker to master the mechanical demands, and that of the master engraver to reveal the quintessence of the movement.

The Vacheron Constantin Manufacture has made full use of these skills in the new skeleton models being added to the Patrimony Traditionnelle line in 2009. These come in two sizes - 38 mm and 30 mm – and with two different movements offered in diamond-set or plain versions.

The aesthetic features of the Patrimony Traditionnelle line are safeguarded thanks to the engraver’s meticulous piercing and decorating work on the precious extra-flat mechanical movement. Adding light to transparency, the sapphire dial – with painted minute-track and 18K white gold hourmarkers and dauphine hands – reveals the fascinating mechanical motion of the movement and its imperturbable heartbeat.

The 38-mm 18K white gold cases house the automatic 1120 SQ calibre, which is stamped with the highly esteemed Hallmark of Geneva.

This remarkable calibre was made in 1967 and is only 2.45 mm thick, an exceptional feat for an automatic movement. The jewellery version scintillates with 82 round diamonds on its bezel.

The 30-mm versions, on the other hand, house the manual-winding 1003 SQ calibre, which is also stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Only 1.64 mm thick, it was introduced in 1955. The jewellery version features 64 round diamonds on its bezel.

Skeleton Patrimony Traditionnelle Model 2009 specifications

TECHNICAL DATA

Reference: Patrimony Traditionnelle Openworked Large Size, 43578/000G-9393

Movement: 1120 SQ, developed and produced Vacheron Constantin Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva

Energy: Mechanical, self-winding

Height of movement: 2.45 mm

Diameter of movement: 28.00 mm

Jewels: 36 rubies

Frequency: 19'800 vibrations/hour

Indications: Hours, minutes

Power-reserve: Approx. 40 hours

Case:
18K white gold
38.00 mm in diameter
Bezel set with 82 brilliant-cut diamonds,
total weight of approx. 0.46 ct

Water-resistance: 3 bar, equivalent to 30 metres

Dial:
12 applied hour-makers in 18K white gold
Black painted exterior minute-track

Strap: Black hand-stitched, saddle-finish, square-scaled alligator leather

Clasp: 18K white gold buckle, polished half Maltese cross