Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 4000U/000R-B516

About This Watch

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date is a masterful demonstration of complication watchmaking within an elegant dress watch format. The caliber 2460 R31R7, developed and manufactured entirely in-house, drives two retrograde displays: the day of the week arcs across the upper portion of the dial while the date sweeps across the lower sector. Unlike conventional displays where hands rotate continuously, retrograde hands advance to the end of their scale and then instantaneously snap back to the starting position, a mechanically demanding feat that requires precise engineering of the return springs. The 42.5mm 18k rose gold case provides ample space for the dual retrograde displays while maintaining the clean, refined aesthetic of the Patrimony line. The silver opaline dial beautifully contrasts with the blued steel hands and applied rose gold indices. Through the transparent caseback, the Geneva Seal-certified movement reveals meticulous hand finishing including Côtes de Genève on the bridges and a solid gold rotor. The Retrograde Day-Date perfectly balances mechanical intrigue with everyday wearability.