An emblematic Vacheron Constantin complication from the 1940s makes its comeback today. Two new Historiques models featuring a complete triple calendar have just been released by the brand. The first one, released as a regular production watch with no limitation is the Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 ref. 3110V/000A-B425 in stainless steel and the second one, in a limited edition of 200 pieces is the Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948 ref. 3100V/000R-B359 in 18K 4N pink gold. Both watches are equipped with cases measuring 40 mm in diameter, 'claw-shaped' lugs and triple gadroon casebands. Both new models are available in two variations with calendar indications in either burgundy or dark blue and both fitted with a pointer date indicator with red arrow-tipped hand.
Soon after its founding in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron, the Manufacture developed its first calendars. Throughout the 19th century, it demonstrated its mastery of complications by creating technical pocket watches associating complete or perpetual calendars with high complications such as the minute repeater. While the first Vacheron Constantin calendar wristwatches date back to 1920, the 1940s were the golden age of this complication in the history of the Maison. The calendar models from this period greatly contributed to the worldwide expansion and reputation of the Manufacture. Iconic watches were created, such as the references 4240 in 1942 and 4240L in 1948 that have inspired the two new models in the Historiques collection.
A deliberately vintage look for these new models reinterpreting the creativity and the aesthetic of the iconic timepieces born in the 1940s. With their calendar function, round case with triple gadroons, two-tone dial, “claw-type” lugs and mechanical manual-winding movement, the new Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 and the Triple Calendrier 1948 are reviving a typical Vacheron Constantin complication and style from this era with design codes reflecting those of the original models, but with a contemporary twist. Topped by a box-type glass of which the slightly thicker nature enables the use of an extremely slender bezel, the case which is water resistant to 30 meters. Lastly, both models are powered by the manual wound Vacheron Constantin calibre 4400.
Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942
Taking its inspiration by the vintage reference 4240, of which the first executions in yellow gold, pink gold or steel were introduced in 1942, the stainless steel Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 maintains an understated and elegant look with hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock, pointer date indicator and day and month apertures at 12 o'clock.
The calendar indications appear in a choice of burgundy or dark blue, on a two-tone silvered dial typical of the era. The sunburst satin-finished center and the outer zone punctuated by Arabic numerals clearly enhance the legibility of the respective functions and accentuate its retro-chic elegance.
Sticker Price $19,500 USD for either stainless steel model. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948
Like its vintage predecessor, the Historiques Triple Calendar 1948 is crafted in 18K 4N pink gold, a tone that is closer to the original version and endows it with an extremely elegant style. Issued in two limited series of 200 pieces each, it revives the reference 4240L presented in 1948 with its triple calendar featuring pointer date indicator, day and month apertures at 12 o'clock and with a high-precision moon phase with small seconds at 6 o’clock.
Its contemporary version highlights an array of refined and distinctive assets. The dial features a silvered opaline center with a sunburst satin-finished external zone. This subtly nuanced display is interspersed with applied Roman numerals and triangle-type hour-markers swept over by slim baton-type hands. Its calendar functions and its moon disc appear in a choice of burgundy or dark blue, teamed with a brown or dark blue leather strap secured by a pin buckle.
Sticker Price $35,000 USD for either version in 18K 4N pink gold. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
