Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface watch in rose gold or white gold.
In deft blend of mechanics and high-tech materials, Vacheron Constantin brings high-watchmaking and pure function together in the new Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface watch. In fact, the open-worked movement, visible via sapphire disks and a face-less dial, is a refreshingly modern take on traditional skeletonization.
The venerable brand of Vacheron Constantin, which is the oldest continually operating Swiss watch brand on the market, has been making a host of inroads into the concept of more contemporary designs and marketing strategies – always with the motto of “Do better if it is possible and it is always possible.”
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface watch boasts an evolved movement comprised of 312 finely finished parts.
The newest Traditionnelle Complete Calendar watch is powered by the brand’s in-house-made 312-part Caliber 2460 QCL/2. The self-winding mechanical movement boasts a triple calendar function and moonphase indication. Thanks to the use of transparent sapphire disks with apertures cut out for the day and date, as well as the month indication, the anthracite NAC coated mainplate and bridges of the caliber are highly visible. Even the moonphase indication at 6:00 on the dial boasts a transparent sapphire crystal. That disk boasts two orbs, each with transferred, realistic depictions of Earth. The moon phase indication is accurate for 122 years before needing an adjustment.
This newest caliber is an evolution of the brand’s first-ever self-winding movement, the 2460, that was developed in house. It beats at a higher frequency than traditional self-winding movements – vibrating at 4 Hz or 28,800 vibrations per hour. It is also chocked with 40 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The sapphire disks for the complete calendar of the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface watch allow for viewing of the movement parts.
The round stepped case also displays a railway minute track around the outer edge of the gray opaline dial flange. Dauphine gold hands keep the watch from becoming too busy. The traditional look continues from the minute track to the slim bezel and fluted case back, but the baton-style hour markers add a modern touch.
The 41mm watch – a deft blend of tradition and visionary prowess — is offered in 18-karat 5N rose gold and in 18-karat white gold. Each watch, with slate gray tones, is finished with a calfskin-lined gray alligator strap.
An angled view of the tiered dial structure with disks and apertures.
This article by Roberta Naas first appeared on Forbes.com.
