Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendar 1942

The Historiques line brings collectively modern re-issues of Vacheron Constantin previous glories. There’s the Extremely-Tremendous 1955, a rigorist interpretation of the extra-flat gown watch. After which, there are these three unapologetically elegant watches standing out for his or her unique character. I had received the chance to go hands-on with the cushion-shaped American 1921 and the Chronograph 1955 Cornes de Vache. However not but with the trendy Historiques Triple Calendar 1942. It was about time to treatment the omission…

As its title suggests, the Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 is a classic re-edition straight impressed by the Vacheron Constantin from 1942, the reference 4240. Whereas the primary Vacheron Constantin calendar wristwatches date again to 1920, the Nineteen Forties are sometimes considered the golden age of this complication within the historical past of the model. Again then, the reference 4240 had been manufactured in yellow and pink gold but in addition in metal. Trying with at present’s eyes on the mannequin, the 4240 is a superb basic with design quirks, these little issues that make it charming, endearing and distinctive… The claw or cornes de vache lugs, the very skinny bezel paired with a barely protruding box-crystal or the triple-gadroon caseband. The calendar indication combines apertures for the day and the month with a pointer date. The watch was powered by the calibre 495 primarily based on a Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauche – Again then, Jaeger-Lecoultre and Vacheron Constantin have been managed by the identical holding firm, the SAPIC (Société Anonyme de Produits Industriels et Commerciaux).

Launched again in 2017 alongside the Historiques 1948, the fashionable Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 is unmistakably impressed by the reference 4240 however it isn’t an easy copy of the unique. The case has been up to date to trendy requirements. It’s now 40mm (versus 35mm for the unique) but it surely stays fairly compact and chic on the wrist. The claw-shaped lugs are usually not solely sleek but in addition extremely ergonomic. The crown is smaller however thicker. The three-gadroon caseband, in all probability essentially the most distinctive aspect of this watch,  creates excellent performs of sunshine and provides an unbelievable character. The water resistance, as anticipated from such a dressy watch, is restricted to 30 meters.

With its blue accents, the two-tone cream-coloured dial combines retro-chic attraction and ideal readability. Every thing is simply crisp and neat. It contains a delicate sunburst-satin end and a barely recessed small seconds at 6 o’clock with a concentric sample. The blued arms additionally include a twist. The baton-style minute hand isn’t solely longer but in addition thinner than the hour hand. These are paired with a pink arrow tipped pointer date, indicating the present date on a peripheral observe – a basic format of the Nineteen Forties. And the 2 different indications, the day of the week and the month, are displayed in smaller home windows positioned at 12 o’clock.

Contained in the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 is the hand-wound calibre 4400 QC. As its title suggests, it’s primarily based on the in-house calibre 4400, which changed the calibre 1400, the model’s first trendy in-house calibre. The point out QC alerts the addition of the calendar perform (Quantième Complet or full calendar in English). Operating at a 4Hz frequency, it delivers a cushty 65-hour energy reserve.

Turning the watch over, the exhibition caseback affords an unimpeded view of this motion. 29mm in diameter, it befits the case dimensions. As you’d anticipate, it’s finely completed, in coherence with the Geneva Hallmark specs. The superbly formed bridges and the plate are adorned with Geneva stripes and perlage, their angles are properly chamfered; the jewel sinks delicately polished. The annular stability is paired with a flat stability spring. The calendar features may be corrected through the pushers built-in throughout the caseband.

The Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 is worn on a hand-sewn blue alligator strap with an alligator lining. Final however not least, it comes with the signature polished half Maltese cross-shaped buckle in metal. Be aware that this watch is on the market in two editions, the current fashions with blue accents on the dial (for the date observe and calendar home windows) with a blue strap, in addition to a mannequin with burgundy accents on the dial and a darkish brown strap.

Ideas

I’ve all the time had a weak spot for retro-styled triple calendars. The complication is sensible whereas being a fantastic compromise between the easy calendar and the dearer/advanced annual or perpetual calendars. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 completely straddles the road between being elegantly basic and having sufficient character to face out, with out being too loud. It’s finely executed with outstanding consideration to element. Briefly, it’s the kind of watch that makes you fall in love at first sight. Some will all the time be nostalgic of the attraction, of the distinctive character or the patina of the unique Nineteen Forties fashions. Others will respect the performance and upgrades introduced by a contemporary launch. The 4240s are very uncommon anyway. And the 1942 proudly upholds the Vacheron Constantin custom of crafting elegant calendar watches.

Availability & Value

The 2 editions of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendar 1942 are a part of the model’s everlasting assortment and can be found from boutiques and retailers. It’s priced at EUR 21,700 (incl. taxes), CHF 22,200 (incl. taxes) or USD 21,900 (excl. taxes). For extra data, please go to www.vacheronconstantin.com