Time for some straight facts: No one goes to Vacheron Constantin to get a basic timepiece. Even their icon of classicism, the Patrimony, with all its apparent design severity, reveals a tense sensuality when you delve into its details. The sharp taper of the case from dial to caseback; the tight restraint of the small lugs compared to the watch diameter; the languid, slim hour markers — there’s a love poem written in the mechanical code of the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony.
Every watch made by Vacheron Constantin contains hidden depths. Okay, maybe some aren’t so hidden. The bold Toledo, the Asymmetrique, the 1921 — none of these are particularly subtle designs, and they also happen to be some of the most cherished amongst the horological cognoscenti.
So, when Vacheron Constantin decide to create a new feminine collection, you can expect two things straightaway. First, there will be more to it than meets the eye. Second, you’ll find the true richesse of the watch in its details. After all, this is a watch company that specialises in bringing out a certain feminine finesse in any type of timepiece. What’s their most ostensibly male collection? The sports-inflected Overseas, which nevertheless has a slenderness and refinement about it that transfers very well to a feminine wrist.
Presenting the Vacheron Constantin Égérie, a contemporary classic that seduces the eye.
A round case with curved sides. Graceful, modern lugs with narrow bevels. Concentric rings of hand-guillochage on the dials of the unset models. Applied Arabic numerals executed in a delicate italic script. Leaf-shaped hands that give the watch a faint botanical air. And a rounded, grooved crown, asymmetrically placed at the 1 o’clock position.
There are two main models in this new collection, a small date and a moonphase model, which come in gold or steel, with or without diamonds. (A particular standout is the moonphase model with fully paved dial. The lunar display comes with a cover of smoked crystal, giving the impression of a pearlescent veil of clouds.) One of the strongest features of the Égerie is its acknowledgement of modern lifestyles — the watch comes with a selection of different straps, each with a quick-release mechanism allowing the wearer to switch easily between colour options.
On the wrist, the Égérie feels inspired. And I don’t know about you, but I definitely need a daily dose of inspiration in my life.
