Vacheron Constantin presents two 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.

Vacheron Constantin is reinterpreting two calendar watches from 1942 and 1948, 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 and another 18K 4N pink gold triple calendar with moon phase version are 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 and 4400 QCL for the moon-phase version (L for Lune, meaning moon in French). 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-20^th century calendars, while providing a comfortable 65-hour power reserve thanks to its imposing barrel.

This 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.

Soon after its founding in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron, the Manufacture developed its first calendars. Throughout the 19^th 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.

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.

References	:	3110V/000A-B425 3110V/000A-B426
Certification	:	Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Movement	:	4400 QC calibre Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin Mechanical Manual-winding
Diameter	:	29 mm (12’’’½)
Thick	:	4.6 mm
Power reserve	:	Approximately 65 hours
Frequency	:	4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
Components	:	225
Jewels	:	21
Indications	:	Hours, minutes Small seconds at 6 o’clock Complete calendar (day of the week and month by aperture, date by hand)
Case	:	Stainless Steel
Diameter	:	40 mm
Thick	:	10.35 mm
Casback	:	Transparent sapphire crystal
Water-resistance	:	Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres)/td>
Dial	:	Silvered, sunburst satin-finished Black painted Arabic numerals Burgundy / Blue painted date-track
Bracelet	:	Brown / dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Buckle	:	Steel, polished half Maltese cross-shaped