WATCH REVIEW Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Retrograde Day and Date

A useful double complication

The display of the day and the date is a classic of watchmaking.
But what is not, is that it is retrograde.
And let-alone doubly retrograde!

The dial of this Patrimony Contemporaine Jour et Date rétrogradants is sober and legible.
On its upper part, a specific arrow-shaped hand shows the date, on 180° at the periphery.
On the lower part, another smaller hand, which axis is positioned just on top of 6 o’clock, shows the day of the week.

Thus, these two indications inscribe themselves in two curves, one upon the other one, but without overlaying each other: the subtle balance that emerges is a true success.

A sober and elegant dial

Very slightly curved, the opaline dial is regulated by the classics of the Patrimony Contemporaine range: beveled markers (at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock) alternated with the stick applied markers and the pearl-shaped motion work.

And of course, without forgetting the polished Croix de Malte.

The whole is made of white gold.

In order allowing to embank the forces linked to the immediate return of the hands at the end of the period (in 1/10^th second), they are made of a flexible and light alloy.

One might regret that the stick-shaped hands of the hours and the minutes are of a very similar color with the one that indicates the days, positioned on the same axis. A second glance is indeed sometimes necessary to avoid the confusion.

The whole is sober, elegant and shows a strong identity.

A gorgeous case

The white gold case is also very successful.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of the market – but it is a matter of taste!

With a 42.5 mm diameter, the case middle slims down to the wrist, allowing, thanks to the long lugs, to position itself naturally.

Despite this relatively important diameter for an elegant watch, it emerges a great visual presence, but no physical obstruction.
The comfort when wearing it is thus excellent.

On the other hand, the strap made of black alligator leather, enhanced by the folding clasp with the huge half Croix de Malte, offers a nice contrast with the wealth of details of the whole.

What to remember

With this Patrimony Contemporaine Jour et Date rétrogradants, Vacheron Constantin offers both a classic and modern timepiece.

It will be able to answer the expectancies of the well-informed amateur, who is attached to the watchmaking traditional values and who wishes at the same time the technical and the aesthetic innovation.