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The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Introducing The Newly Established Dutch Brand VPC Releases its Inaugural Piece, Type 37HW

A Brand Launched by Fratello Watches Editor Thomas van Straaten

VPC, short for Venustas Per Constantiam, which means “Beauty Through Constancy” in Latin,   emerges as a fresh brand hailing from the Netherlands, established by Thomas van Straaten, an editor at Fratello Watches. While many watch aficionados and collectors harbor aspirations of crafting their own timepieces, only a select few venture into the endeavor.

Among those who do, navigating the formidable challenges of launching a brand proves daunting, with even fewer succeeding in bringing a tangible product to fruition. However, Thomas remained steadfast in his pursuit, debuting his inaugural release, the VPC Type 37HW.

Before joining Fratello in 2022, Thomas was employed at a prominent vintage watch retailer in Amsterdam. Additionally, he authored the book titled 'The Vintage Rolex Datejust Buyer's & Collector's Guide.' When examining his new timepiece, from the case proportions to the integration of the bracelet and even the dial colors, you can see how he incorporated his knowledge of vintage watches into the VPC Type 37HW.

The timepiece features a 316L stainless steel brushed and polished case with scratch protection coating, accompanied by a sapphire crystal safeguarding the dial. Sizing in at a diameter of 37.5mm and a thickness of 9.8mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement totaling 45mm, it's proportioned to suit a wide range of wrist sizes comfortably.

The frosted dial is available in three colors, Dove Grey, Forest Green, and Delft Blue. Featuring a two-layer design, it features a small seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock, available in either gray or white. Legibility is paramount in any timepiece, highlighted by lumeblock indices and Dauphine-style hands with Super-LumiNova inserts. 

The watch is powered by the Sellita SW216-1, a manually wound movement operating at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz) and providing a power reserve of 42 hours. Renowned for its precision, this movement boasts COSC Chronometer certification. The timepiece is paired with a quick release 3 link stainless steel bracelet, with a folding clasp that features micro adjustment. 

The initial 300 pieces, with 100 in each color variant, will be individually numbered. These watches are currently available for pre-order at a price of EUR 2,479, which is equivalent to AED 10,000.

For more information please visit VPC’s official website. 

Technical specifications: VPC Type 37HW
  1. Case: stainless steel case, brushed and polished, sapphire crystal, closed case back
  2. Diameter: 37.5 mm 
  3. Height: 9.8 mm
  4. Water resistance: 120 m
  5. Dial: frosted dial, Dove Grey, Forest Green, and Delft Blue, small seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock in gray or white, lumeblock indices and Dauphine-style hands with Super-LumiNova
  6. Movement: Sellita SW216-1, manual winding, COSC Chronometer certified, 24 jewels 
  7. Power reserve: 42 hours
  8. Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
  9. Functions: hours, Minutes, small seconds
  10. Bracelet / Strap: quick release 3 link stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp with micro adjustment
  11. Availability: Limited production of 300 pieces, with 100 in each color variant
  12. Price: EUR 2,479, which is equivalent to AED 10,000

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