Vacheron Constantin's New Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface
To close out the new year, Vacheron Constantin has released a duo of Traditionnelle models in white gold and pink gold. The Traditionnelle has long been the brands collection for their more impressive and complicated pieces, and the all new Traitionnelle Complete Calendar Openface doesn’t fail in either category.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface
Case Material: White or Pink Gold
Case Size: 41mm
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Movement: VC Calibre 2460 QCL/2
Movement Specs: Automatic, Triple Calendar with Moonphase, 27-jewels, 4-Hz, 40-hr Power Reserve
Strap Options: Mississippi Alligator Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
THE JUICE:
For it’s final release of the year, this is a doozy. All things considered, the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface is a bit of a step outside of the box for what’s mostly been considered a fairly toned-down (although complicated) collection. The grey color tones are pretty standard, however the sapphire dial is a step away from the more, ahem… “traditional” aesthetic of the collection.
With the dial plate being replaced by a full sheet of sapphire crystal, paired with the sapphire discs of the day and month indicators, the watch puts the 2460 QCL movement on full display. This includes some impressive finshing on the gear trains and bridges. The bridges specifically have a grey anthracite NAC treatment and give the watch a bit of an aggressive look (I feel this is far more noticeable on the pink gold model and less-so on the white gold model).
Make no mistake, this is a pretty thorough dress watch, though, with a bit more of a… lets say, imposing look. The gold toned moon on the standard QCL has been replaced with a more photo-realistic moon on the QCL/2 and the brushed grey finishing on the bridges and plates give a more bold in-your-face design language. Yes, there is a more monochromatic vibe, but the bursts of gold color on the gears, hands, and indices break up the matte finishing and create a softer polished feel to the entire watch. Despite all the grey-tones, the watch maintains a very coherent design aesthetic - and one that doesn’t allow for the important data to get lost in the dial.
Obviously, we need to discuss a bit about the movement. The Calibre 2460 QCL has been fitted with an annual calendar module to allow for the “Complete” part of the Complete Calendar. Fastened with two sapphire discs, the movement allows for a number of functions - Hours, Minutes, Day, Date, Month and Moonphase.
The Hours and Minutes, obviously, via the handset. The Day and Month indicators are etched into two seperate sapphire discs flanking the top of the dial. Both rotate independently and display the information via a finished “window underneath the Vacheron Constantin logo. The date is displayed via a pointer hand fastened to the dial and a date ring around the perimeter of the dial. The last feature is the moonphase at 6 o’ clock. However, instead of the more traditional gold bip moon, the movement is fastened with aphoto-realistic moon, which adds to the overall aggressive look of the watch.
The watch beats at 4-Hz, features 27 jewels, and a water resistance of 30 meters. Flipping the watch over, you’ll find a solid gold screw-down case-back with another window into Vacheron’s penchant for movement finishing. The movement features a gold rotor, Cotes de’ Geneve striping, polishing and beveled gears, and it’s many jewels.
How Much Is the Vacheron Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface (ref. 4020T/000R-B654)?
The watch has thus far not been released in a limited number (yet), but will come with a price tag of $47,300 USD in both Pink and White Gold.
Read more about the watch at vacheron-constantin.com