Vacheron Constantin Launches A New Abroad Watch With Moonphase And Retrograde Date Problems

Religious successor of the Vacheron Constantin 222, the Abroad has been the model’s flagship sports activities watch since 1996. Regardless of being overshadowed all through its adolescence by watches just like the Royal Oak and Nautilus, the Abroad has matured right into a mainstay of the nigh-unattainable waitlist watch world. Judging by the most recent Abroad launch at Watches and Wonders 2023, that pattern is unlikely to vary anytime quickly. The Vacheron Constantin Abroad Moonphase Retrograde Date Watch sports activities the identical type issue and deep ocean blue dial we’ve come to like, however with a moonphase and a retrograde date complication seen for the primary time on an Abroad.

A fast look on the blue dial and 41mm case, and there’s little doubt that is an Abroad. The six-sided bezel echoing the Maltese cross, together with the trademark built-in bracelet are all current. It’s once you take a better take a look at that bottomless lacquered blue dial that issues get really attention-grabbing.

For the primary time in an Abroad, Vacheron Constantin has included a retrograde date complication. Vacheron Constantin is not any stranger to this complication, having produced lots over their practically three centuries of operation. It’s one factor to combine a retrograde date right into a gown watch or assertion piece however to take action in a sports activities watch, whereas additionally including in a moon part show and one way or the other maintaining the piece simply as sporty and, nicely, as Abroad as ever — now, that may be a critical feat.

The retrograde dates circumnavigate the dial from 9 o’clock to three o’clock, leaping straight again to 1 on the finish of the month. On an aesthetic stage, a part of what makes this format work so nicely is the sky blue dates and blue-on-blue pointer date hand. The numbers on the date match the Arabic minute markers positioned alongside the rehaut and assist present a seamless, built-in colour scheme with out calling added consideration to the complication.

The second celebration trick of the Abroad Moonphase Retrograde Date is, in fact, the moon part complication. Although not as continuously seen on sports activities watches, when executed cleanly moon phases provide a whimsical, if anachronistic, complication that may be a pleasure to look at. Provided that that is Vacheron Constantin we’re speaking about, it shouldn’t come as a shock that the execution is beautiful. Vacheron refers to theirs as a precision moon part, because it requires correction as soon as each 122 years, and the variety of days because the final new moon (from 0 to 29 ½) is displayed above the aperture. I’m not totally certain that was crucial and the 29 ½ is a bit jarring, however the numerals do match the rainbow of dates above. In a nod to user-friendliness, all features of the watch are operated through the fluted crown.

To make the dial magic occur, Vacheron Constantin makes use of its in-house computerized Calibre 2460 R31L/2. Including a retrograde date is difficult sufficient however making it sturdy sufficient for a sports activities watch with out including bulk (the watch measures in at a svelte 10.48mm thick) and retaining water resistance is not any straightforward activity. The result’s a complication with 275 elements which might be richly detailed and visual behind the show caseback. The 22k gold-oscillating weight with stylized compass rose takes heart stage, however there’s loads of ornament ready when the rotor spins. Not surprisingly, the calibre additionally receives the Hallmark of Geneva as an authorized timepiece.

One grievance continuously lobbed at built-in bracelet watches is an incapability to simply change straps. To that finish, Vacheron Constantin features a blue rubber and blue leather-based strap and a easy, tool-free system for swapping amongst them.

The introduction of this latest Abroad will do nothing to gradual the Abroad hype prepare. Although there will probably be loads of purists preferring the simplicity of the time and date-only fashions (or the über difficult perpetual calendar), Vacheron Constantin has finished a exceptional job of integrating each a retrograde date and moon part complication whereas retaining the sports activities watch aesthetic with all of the hallmarks of the road. Pricing is simply accessible on request. To study extra concerning the Vacheron Constantin Abroad Moon Part Retrograde Date, please go to the model’s web site.