ONE WATCH, TWO COMPLICATIONS

The Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date brings two stunning complications together in one watch in the second new model this autumn from the Genevan brand.

Vacheron Constantin has brought out a new model this autumn with the usual perfect finish housing two fabulous complications in two shades of gold. The Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date is inspired by the Genevan watch brand’s 50s models with a low-key dial. As the name suggests, the moon’s cycle and age features on the dial alongside the retrograde date.

The moon phase takes pride of place at 6 on the shimmering slightly domed silver dial. A rose or white gold disc showcases the moon on a starry background in a crescent-shape display. A graduation around the semi-circular display enables you to calculate the moon cycle which is exactly 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.9 seconds. You only need to reset it once…every 122 years!

The retrograde date fans out from 9 to 3 and progresses a notch per day until the end of the month before instantly restarting at 1. The date figures are interspersed with subtle dots tracked by a black gold hand with an openwork triangular tip.

A pair of slim rose or white gold hands appear between both complications to chase the hours and minutes. Their sharp tips track slender triangular and rectangular markers and a shimmering minute track all in rose or white gold depending on the model.

The functions are brought to life by the new 2460 R31L calibre by Vacheron Constantin. You can watch the self-winding mechanical movement fuel the 40-hour power reserve inside the 42.5mm case through the sapphire crystal back.

Price: 42,800 CHF

By Sharmila Berti