The complete calendar function in the world of Haute Horlogerie is quite rare, and only a few manufacturers delve into making such complicated timepieces. Vacheron Constantin however has become quite a master in this area, with the complete calendar function becoming a signature complication for the luxury watch brand. Why is the complete calendar hard to manufacture? Because it consists of four different complications. This includes showing the day of the week, the month, the date and finally the moon phase.
Vacheron Constantin currently has two models in their collection that feature the complete calendar complication; the Fifty-Six Complete Calendar and the Traditionelle Complete Calendar. This latest timepiece released by the brand is an updated version of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, now coming with an open dial.
As the name suggests, the watch is exactly that. A skeletonised version of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar that now shows much of the beautiful movement underneath.
Design:
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Open Face comes in either a white gold or pink gold 41mm case with 30-meter water resistance. The dial can seem quite complex at first look, however, every complication is broken down into different sections of the dial. Firstly the date can be seen outside the minute track on the outer part of the dial. There is a separate date pointer hand that indicates the date.
The counter shown at 3 o’clock position shows the current month, while the counter at 9 o’clock shows the day of the week. Lastly, we have the moon phase indicator shown at the 6 o’clock position. The month counter and day of the week counter are see-through so that the movement and beautiful gold gears underneath can be seen. Visibility of the indicators has given way to show more the movement.
The hour and minute hands along with the baton-style hour indices are all done in pink gold which certainly helps them stand out in this complicated dial. If you are a fan of skeleton timepieces then this will certainly be up your alley. For others, however, with the multiple complications combined with being able to see the movement, the dial may just be too busy.
Movement:
The movement used for the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Open Face is the caliber 2460 QCL/2 which is a different version of the 2460 QCL. The 2460 QCL movement is used in the standard Traditionnelle Complete Calendar timepiece. The difference between the two movements is the finishing of the parts. The 2460 QCL/2 movement now features anthracite finishing on the plate and bridges. The 2460 QCL/2 movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH and has a minimum power reserve of approximately 40-hours. Vacheron Constantin is known for exceptional finishing and artistic work, and the case back is no different.
The rotor featuring the brand’s logo has also been skeletonised to show as much of the movement from underneath as possible. The different colours of the jewels, lettering, gears, and anthracite finishing make the case back quite appealing.
Vacheron Constantin is one of the few manufacturers still making complete Calendar complications, and they certainly haven’t dropped the ball in producing excellent timepieces while trying to push the boundaries of aesthetics.
