Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

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Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

Vacheron Constantin presents new Historiques models featuring a complete calendar. 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 is reviving a typical Vacheron Constantin complication and style from this era.

One style, two icons

Vacheron Constantin is reinterpreting a calendar watches from 1942, which highlight its expertise in the field of “useful” complications and the associated characteristic design. This results in design codes reflecting those of the original models, but with a contemporary twist. A steel triple calendar timepiece is now back in the spotlight. The 40 mm-diameter case crafted in the Vacheron Constantin style features a number of character traits typical of the era, such as the distinctive “triple gadroon” caseband bearing “claw-type” lugs.

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 metres, reveals through the caseback the Fine Watchmaking finishing of the new complete calendar calibre – interpreted as reference 4400 QC. Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz, this mechanical manual-winding movement, entirely developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin, preserves the original spirit of the mid-20th century calendars, while providing a comfortable 65-hour power reserve thanks to its imposing barrel.

Historiques Triple calendrier 1942

The first model, made of steel, is inspired by reference 4240, of which the first executions in yellow gold, pink gold or steel were introduced in 1942. In keeping with the original, this understated and elegant model drives the hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock, along with hand-type date and day and month by aperture. 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 centre and the outer zone punctuated by Arabic numerals clearly enhance the legibility of the respective functions and accentuate its retro-chic elegance. 

Original spirit

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 reference 4240 in 1942 that has inspired this new model in the Historiques collection.

Historiques collection, a return to roots

Rare and much sought-after by collectors, the most legendary Vacheron Constantin creations have been successively reborn in the Historiques collection for more than 20 years. This highly exclusive range revisits the creative archetypes punctuating the history of the Manufacture since 1755. An approach that results in contemporary models with vintage overtones breathing new life into the technical and aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin.