Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 2005 Reference No: 91180/000R Movement No: 885'201 Case No: 815'259 and N°149 Model Name: Patrimony 250th Anniversary Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1017, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, a Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives indicating date of production in 2005 and a pouch.
Catalogue Essay
In 2005, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary. To mark this important milestone, the brand created a specific timepiece – one that did not exist in its catalog - to be gifted to 250 of its male employees (the ladies also received a timepiece but of a different collection). Fitted in a generous yet slim 40mm pink gold case, a manual caliber 1017 powers this confidential watch. The immaculate black dial is adorned with extra slim pink gold applied baton indexes, the minutes are printed in white with an exception between 11 and 1 o’clock where the minute track is subtly replaced by the commemoration date 1775 and 2005. The fact that this timepiece, numbered 142 made in celebration of one of horology's greatest milestones was never available for sale to the public makes it a rare treasure for the collection of a discerning Vacheronista.
The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.