Türler-signed Vacheron Constantin Patrimony

An ultra-thin Calatrava may be executed to an exacting standard by a Lange or Patek. The Saxonia is a stellar (literally) modern Germanic discourse in simplicity. Patek’s Calatrava line may be the most historically storied time-only dial of all time. That said, I’m not sure either have executed their pure-dress offering with the same master as Vacheron Constantin have in this Patrimony. Ultra-thin, white gold, undersized, and minimally textured. But that is not all, as this example steps things up with a quite rare double-signature variation from Türler.

One of the more pure forms of Vacheron wristwatch, the Patrimony truly is an everyday dress watch though maybe a bit less understood than its peers. The Patrimony was introduced in the 1950s as a named model, though time-only references existed earlier. The recent redesign leans more heavily on this 1970s vintage than that original. It features a 33mm white gold case which rounds under very aggressively. The dial, though is where this example stands out.

César Alexander and Jean Henri Türler opened their first watch retail store in Bielle, Switzerland in 1907. By the 1930s, they had expanded throughout nearly all of Europe and sang the praises of watches from their homeland. They had the notable distinction of selling watches to one Sir Winston Churchill. Their notoriety was such that brands like JLC, Blancpain, IWC, UG, Omega, and Vacheron consented to manufacturing signed dials to be retailed through their distribution.

This example’s dial, all important, is very well-preserved. Its vertically-grained texture is unmarred by corrosion and the fonts are all still clear. Its case is sharp, the lugs stout. The acrylic crystal is clear of major dents. No mention is made of service history. It comes from a small South Korean retailer.

Find this Türler Patrimony here (Google iTools translated link) from Vintageye for ~8400 USD.