Can I Buy Insider: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date ref. 4010U. Hands-on with a Stunning Timepiece with a Very Interesting Complication. Replica At Lowest Price


The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 is in steel using “claw-type” lugs — not to be mistaken with “horn” lugs, as on the Vacheron Constantin Historique Cornes De Vache 1955 (hands-on here). The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 and 1948 watches also have trendy (in my view) textured case sides that I will explain as ribbed, for lack of a better term. Each version also shares the increased “box-type glass” within the dial — because the brand’s info does not make any further reference to the substance being used (and they do mention that the caseback’s display window is sapphire), I wonder if they went with some sort of mineral crystal to keep it truer to the classic originals.The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948 comes at a more familiar case in 18K pink gold using conventional lugs — and, obviously, includes a moonphase indicator incorporated into the 6 o’clock sub-dial. Discrete pushers in the side of the case are utilized to adjust the different calendar (and moonphase for the 1948) data. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 steel watch has published Arabic numerals for the hour markers, whereas the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948 gold watch has a mixture of applied Roman numerals and triangular markers.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date

When one thinks of Vacheron Constantin, some of the first watches that come to mind are complications like the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date. Featuring a timelessly understated round case measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and available in either in 18K pink gold or 18K white gold, this timepiece takes its inspiration by the models created by the Vacheron Constantin in the 1950s. Fitted with a matte black hand-stitched alligator strap with half Maltese cross pin buckle in matching metal, the Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date is an extremely elegant and dressy watch. The watch we have here under review is the 18K white gold model.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date WCL


The Dial

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date ref. 4010U features a silvered opaline dial with a slightly domed shape, tapered applied hour markers in pink or white gold —depending on the model— and a cabochon pearled minute track. With the retrograde date pointer indicator filling the upper half of the dial, the moon phase indicator —either with a pink or white gold disc, depending on the model— shines brightly against the silvered backdrop of the lower half of the dial.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date WCL2

The age of the moon —meaning the number of days that have elapsed since the last new moon— can be read off a graduated scale around the moon phase 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.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date WCL3

Rounding out the elegant and timeless design of this timepiece, needle shaped hands complete the equation. While the minute hand is slightly curved at the tip following the curvature of the dial, the retrograde date pointer hand features black oxide and is tipped with an open worked arrow. This hand moves forward in one-day increments and once the month is completed, a retrograde system returns it instantly to its initial position on the 1 numeral to begin rerunning along the same path.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date WCL4


The Movement

Powered by the new 275-part in-house automatic calibre 2460 R31L, this 27-jewel movement provides a 40-hour power reserve while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph —4 Hz. This newly designed movement, features a very easy setting mechanism where all three functions of the watch —date, time and moon phase— can be set via the winding crown. In its second position, the crown can be turned clockwise to set the date or counter-clockwise to adjust the moon phase, while the third and last position controls time setting. The movement is equipped with a gorgeous 22K gold oscillating weight featuring the Vacheron Constantin signature barleycorn ‘guilloché’ motif.

Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460


On the Wrist & Pricing

On the wrist, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date ref. 4010U wears true to its size and with impeccable wrist presence. A thin watch that is very well made and that is fueled by the rich history of this manufacture with an extremely functional and interesting looking complication. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters and certified with the Poinçon de Genève.

Sticker Price $39,900 USD for either model. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.

P1170356.jpgVacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date Wristshot