The mechanism in the Vacheron et Constantin Patrimony Extra-Plates watch has been produced since 1955. It was introduced as their bicentennial piece. The mechanism is only 1.64 mm. thick, making it, decades later, still the thinnest calibre to be found in a wristwatch. "Vachement Plates," as it were. A tooth is missing on the ratchet wheel and on the clutch wheel, revealing a compromise in strength that was needed to produce such a thin watch. The watch runs well otherwise, but I am having difficulty getting parts. I would say this watch is too fragile for normal use: for Black-Tie occasions only. This watch is probably the ultimate in eye-candy, inside and out, among wristwatches. Vachement belle . . .
Update: Watch parts are now difficult or impossible to obtain, drastically reducing their investment potential. I understand that the parts problem plagues the better Swiss watch brands, such as Le Coultre, Rolex, Omega, Longines. In 1998, I could buy any part for any of my watches. Not today: if I cannot repair a product because I cannot buy parts for it, I consider it to be a very poor investment and can only recommend against purchasing it until the parts situation improves. Ça va mal. La montre devient un investissement vachement inconstant!
