Patrimony moon phase and retrograde date

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Patrimony moon phase and retrograde date - Vacheron Constantin
This new timepiece, with its pure lines, features a dial on which the cycle and age of the moon are reproduced on a display that will require no corrections for 122 years.

Vacheron Constantin is unveiling today, ahead of the SIHH 2017, two new models:  the Patrimony moon phase and retrograde date and the Traditionnelle minute repeater tourbillon, that we will present tomorrow.

The Patrimony moon phase and retrograde date watch has the pure lines typical of the Patrimony collection.

The timelessly understated round case, measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and available in pink or white gold,  houses a new self-winding caliber powering a high-precision moon indication combined with a retrograde date display. To ensure optimal user-friendliness, all adjustments of these functions are performed via the crown.

Appearing on a pink or white gold disc depending on the version, the moon gleams brightly against a star-studded backdrop, visible through an opening in the lower half of the dial. The age of the moon – meaning the number of days that have elapsed since the last new moon – can be read off on a graduated scale around this opening. This lyrical complication is displayed with extreme accuracy in accordance with the real lunar cycle around the Earth, which lasts exactly 29 days, 12 hours and 45 minutes. This mechanism requires a one-day correction just once every 122 years.

The retrograde date display appears in the upper half of the dial. A central hand – whose colour is achieved by a black oxide process – tipped with an openworked arrow moves forward in one-day increments. Once the month is completed, a retrograde system returns it instantly to its initial position on the 1 numeral by means of a retrograde system and begins running along the same path.

The silvered opaline dial, subtly raised around the rim, features tapered applied hour-markers, slim hands and the emblematic Maltese cross in pink or white gold as well as a circular “pearl” minute-track.

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The new 275-part Manufacture Vacheron Constantin Caliber 2460 R31L has a 40-hour power reserve. The crown of the timepiece crown offers simple and smooth access to all three functions of the timepiece. A transparent sapphire crystal reveals the 2460 R31Lmovement and its 22K gold oscillating weight, adorned with Vacheron Constantin’s signature Maltese cross motif. The hand-crafted finishing of the caliber reflects absolute mastery of the watchmaking art and traditional skills.

The watch is worn on a dark brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, secured with a gold buckle, and is certified by the Hallmark of Geneva.

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