The Contemporary Patrimony bi-retrograde day-date, launched in 2007 in pink gold with the white gold version added to the collection in 2010, is a very discreet expression of the essence of the Geneva manufacture: a watchmaking savoir-faire patiently acquired over 250 years of uninterrupted activity. An Haute Horlogerie timepiece with classic, aesthetic lines, the timepiece Contemporary Patrimony bi-retrograde day-date is a real Vacheron Constantin thoroughbred.To offer more than just the hour and minute display, Vacheron Constantin’s watchmakers-engineers and designers decided to add two of the most useful complications – day and date – and display them by means of two retrograde indicators. A resolute expression of technology at the service of aesthetics, the retrograde displays are not only highly original, but also very complex mechanically.Returning the hands in less than 1/10 of a second over an arc close to 180º is a huge challenge for a mechanism of this size as an enormous amount of energy needs to be released instantly so they can fly back in a fraction of a second and with absolute precision. This is why a special light, flexible alloy has been used.Comprising two parts and extended by soldered horns, the supremely delicate and elegant 18K pink gold case is an impressive 42.5 mm in diameter. Water-resistant to 30 metres, it features a sapphire back through which one can admire the movement’s finishing and decoration.
