The Movement Becomes the Composition
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Squelette
Reference 43502 | White gold | Circa 1990s
The Patrimony Squelette brings its movement to the front of the watch. In this white gold example from circa the 1990s, openworked structures and hand engraving form the display itself, giving the mechanism a role usually held by the dial.
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Case: White gold
Case diameter: Approximately 33 to 34 mm
Case thickness: Approximately 5 mm
Bezel: Stone-set
Dial: Skeletonised and hand-engraved movement
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Transparent display back
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Calibre: Vacheron Constantin 1120 SQ
Winding: Automatic
Functions: Hours and minutes
Jewels: 36
Escapement: Straight-line lever
Balance: Monometallic
Balance spring: Self-compensating flat balance spring
Shock protection: Shock absorber
Rotor: Engraved 21K gold rotor with ruby rollers
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Condition: Gently preserved and rarely worn, with minimal signs of age and light hairlines
Box & papers: Watch only; no box or papers
An open movement turns mechanical structure into a visible composition. This Patrimony Squelette invites attention to the relationship between space, engraving and form.
A Smaller Scale
With a case diameter of approximately 33 to 34 mm, this Patrimony presents its mechanical detail within a compact frame. The white gold case and stone-set bezel surround a display that already offers much to study.
The scale encourages close observation. Small changes in angle reveal different relationships between the open structures, giving the watch a character that develops as it is examined.
Structure Becomes Ornament
Skeletonisation changes how a movement is seen. Open spaces allow the eye to follow its construction, while engraved surfaces add detail to the remaining framework.
The interest lies in that relationship between structure and decoration. The movement remains a functioning mechanism, but its shapes and surfaces also become the visual composition of the watch.
A View from Both Sides
The transparent case back provides another view of the automatic calibre 1120 SQ. Its engraved 21K gold rotor contributes to the detail visible from the reverse.
This example has been described as rarely worn and gently preserved, with minimal signs of age. The appeal is in its combination of a compact form, an open mechanism and the fine detail that carries across both sides.
