Insider: Vacheron Constanin Harmony Complete Calendar ref. 4000S. Hands-on with our Favorite Pre-SIHH 2017 Timepiece from Vacheron Constantin.
On the occasion of its 260th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Harmony collection at the SIHH 2015 and on October 5, 2016 Pre-SIHH 2017 they unveiled the new Harmony Complete Calendar. This new watch with a vintage inspired aura is housed in an 18K 5N rose gold cushion-shaped case measuring 40 mm x 49.3 mm x 11 mm thick. Along with this new reference 400S, Vacheron Constantin is now introducing ten new references equipped with several in-house calibres and developed around the chronograph, tourbillon or dual time complications and that we will review next January 2017 during the week of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Genève.
The Dial
The new Harmony Complete Calendar ref. 4000S features the classic and elegant design that we are used to from Vacheron Constantin. Sporting a silvered opaline dial with anthracite-colored painted Arabic numerals, the cherry on the cake are the painted minute-track and calendar indications in burgundy. While the stock images we received from Vacheron Constantin earlier this month portrayed the burgundy quite bright, after perusing the watch in person, we can tell you that the hue of burgundy is quite dark and very discreet. Burgundy enough to notice it with the right light.
Around its rim, the date is indicated by a central hand which culminates in a burgundy crescent. The day and month, in the same deep red, appear through apertures in the upper half of the dial, while the lower half is devoted to displays of the moon phases and the age of the moon.
The Movement
Fully visible via the display case back, one can admire the new in-house automatic movement calibre 2460 QC with complete calendar. This new in-house automatic movement composed of 308 parts and 27 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 40 hours. The movement features a gorgeous 22K gold oscillating weight with barleycorn guilloché motif.
On the Wrist & Pricing
The watch is delivered on a dark brown alligator strap that is hand-stitched, saddle-finish and with large square scales. The strap is fastened by a half Maltese cross folding clasp in matching gold. On the wrist, the Vacheron Constanin Harmony Complete Calendar ref. 4000S wears slightly smaller than its actual size but with remarkable wrist presence. This is one of those modern watches that exudes a vintage air that can transport you to the golden era of watchmaking by just taking a quick glimpse at it.
Sticker Price $41,000 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.