A fresh interpretation of a legendary timepiece certified with the Hallmark of Geneva: The new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar is an exciting project that highlight the exquisite craftsmanship whilst paying tribute to the deep heritage of this Maison. The Manufacture is revisiting one of its most iconic models and equipped with the new Manufacture Vacheron Constantin Caliber 1142QP. This timepiece perpetuates the tradition of excellence cultivated by one of the finest Geneva watchmakers world over.

With its classic round case, the Traditionnelle collection by Vacheron Constantin embodies the values cherished by this Maison, combining tradition and formal elegance with supreme mastery of horological complications. The new Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar is the ultimate expression of beauty and elegance. The collection’s distinctive design codes are reflected in each and every detail: the stepped case with a distinctive fluted pattern on the back, the dauphine-style hands and the railway-type minute track. A white or black tachymeter scale surrounding the dial accentuates the technical nature of the watch.

Exemplifying a concern for legibility, the dial features various shades of grey with finishes that differ according to the functions, reflecting the layout of 1940s Vacheron Constantin chronographs. The 22K white gold or pink gold moon disc is hand-finished in keeping with the fine tradition of artistic crafts cultivated by Vacheron Constantin. Positioned in the centre of the date counter, it provides a symbolic depiction of a moon face that is alternately smiling or melancholy, depending on the path of the Earth’s satellite. A subtle nod to historical pocket watches.

The beauty of this watch is similarly matched by the technical evolution embodied in the movement of the Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar. Caliber 1142QP, a state-of-the-art movement entirely designed and developed within the Manufacture, and replaces the 1141QP. The new movement drives the perpetual calendar functions – with indications of the days, date, moths, leap years and moon phases – as well as the chronograph functions with a direct-drive seconds hands and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, positioned opposite the small seconds at 9 o’clock. The watch will also be able to keep track of all the vagaries of the calendar without any need for adjustments until the year 2100.

In developing the new caliber, the Vacheron Constantin watchmakers and developers have been keenly attentive to the energy constraints relating to the chronograph functions, in order to minimise their impact on the 48-hour power reserve. The oscillating frequency of the balance has also been raised from 2.5Hz to 3Hz (21,600 vph) so as to increase the reliability and shock resistance. Like all Vacheron Constantin movements, this new caliber is visible through an elegant transparent sapphire crystal caseback.

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar appears in a 950 platinum and 18K 5N pink gold versions, and  is fitted with a hand stitched Mississippiensis alligator leather strap secured by a platinum or 18K 5N pink gold folding clasp. A true authentic marvel on the wrist.