Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar 4010T/000G-B740
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar 4010T/000G-B740 is now available in 18K white gold. Historically, prospective purchasers have been able to choose from an 18K pink gold reference or a limited edition Collection Excellence Platine model. This new variant is endowed with a velvet-finish slate grey dial and with its 18K white gold case bestows an elegant monochromatic appearance.
A history of making clean dials
Over the years I have met a few academics. Whilst most have acquired vast amounts of knowledge, only some have the capacity to impart that information in a clear and succinct way. Likewise, there are some watches that feature several indications, however, their cluttered and confusing dials inhibit readability and understanding.
When it comes to calendar watches, Vacheron Constantin has a long history of making watches that convey information with notable efficiency. Their dials are clear and the various indications are enunciated with notable lucidity.
Since it was established in 1755, Vacheron Constantin, ‘the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in continuous production’, has learnt a thing or two. From comparatively ‘simple’ complete calendars to über-complex grand complications equipped with the ultimate horological triumvirate, namely a minute repeater, tourbillon and perpetual calendar, the venerable Maison has mastered them all.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar 4010T/000G-B740 – a clutter-free display
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar may lack the mind-boggling psyche of a grand complication, however, when it comes to displaying the day, date, month and moon phase, it performs its duties admirably. The watch juggles much information, articulating each snippet of data in a user-friendly, concise format. There is a welcome absence of unnecessary clutter, distracting colour schemes or poorly proportioned apertures. Indeed, everything is refined to the highest order.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar 4010T/000G-B740 – velvet-finish slate grey dial
Now, Vacheron Constantin is offering a new variant encompassing a beautiful velvet-finish slate grey dial. To complement the dark tones of the dial, the prestigious marque has chosen to house the watch in a 41mm 18K white gold. The contrasting hues deliver a harmonious mien par excellence.
Calibre 2460 QCL/1
Beneath the dial’s epidermis sits the Calibre 2460 QCL/1, a self-winding movement hallmarked with the esteemed Poinçon de Genève.
Earlier, I implied that the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar was ‘simple’. This was not intended to be derogatory. Leonardo da Vinci reputedly once said, “Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication.” I don’t know whether the great man did say this, but regardless, the quotation seems very apt when discussing the beautiful and efficient way this watch communicates with its wearer.
The brand’s press release
Geneva, 2 November 2021 – The classically inspired Traditionnelle complete calendar – with its stepped round case and lugs, fluted caseback and railway minute-track swept over by Dauphine-style hours and minutes hands – retains Vacheron Constantin’s signature touch of originality in the display of the calendar indications. The day and month windows are positioned around the rim of the dial, while the date is shown by a dedicated pointer. This layout particularly highlights a precision moon phase located at 6 o’clock.
A contemporary expression of classic traditional watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle collection is reminiscent of the watches made by the cabinotiers, the Geneva watchmakers who plied their trade during the Age of Enlightenment. Like the timepieces of that era, it is distinguished by its purity of style and the perfect legibility of its horological complications. The new Traditionnelle complete calendar watch – whose complication is also known as a triple calendar – indicates the date, day and month, complemented by the age and phases of the moon. Its round case with fluted back, slim bezel, railway-track minute track, bi-facetted Dauphine-style hands and baton-type hour markers in 18K white gold are also imbued with the watchmaking pragmatism of the 1920s, which required the aesthetics of a watch to fully serve its function.
Original display
Already available in 18K pink gold, the new Traditionnelle complete calendar watch is now presented in a 41 mm case in 18K white gold and features a velvet-finish slate grey dial. This new tone gives it a contemporary look that highlights the structure of its displays. Unlike standard triple calendars, the day and month indicators are positioned around the rim of the dial rather than in the centre, while the date is discreetly indicated by a crescent-tipped central hand. This original arrangement frees up space for the precision age and phases of the moon appearing on the lower part of the dial.
Calibre 2460 QCL/1: complete calendar and precision moon phase
The Traditionnelle complete calendar watch is powered by Calibre 2460 QCL/1. This type of triple-display calendar represents a complication that is an integral part of the Manufacture’s heritage. Calibre 2460 QCL/1 with its 308 components is an evolved version of Calibre 2450, the first self-winding movement entirely designed and developed by Vacheron Constantin. Equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism, it beats at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, has a 40-hour power reserve and – in addition to its triple calendar indications – drives a precision moon phase requiring only one correction every 122 years. Featuring a 22K gold openworked oscillating weight with a design inspired by the Maison’s Maltese cross emblem, the movement visible from the back bears all the finishing touches one would expect from an Haute Horlogerie calibre, such as its circular-grained baseplate and chamfered bridges adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif. Water-resistant to 30 metres, the Traditionnelle complete calendar watch is fitted with a black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap secured by an 18K white gold pin buckle.
Sum-up
The Traditionnelle complete calendar watch, a piece imbued with the spirit of traditional 18th century fine watchmaking, places aesthetics at the service of functionality. It is equipped with self-winding Calibre 2460 QCL/1, a movement with a useful complication that displays a triple calendar, a precision moon phase and the age of the moon. The day and month are indicated by apertures around the rim of the dial, while the date is shown by a crescent-tipped central hand. This new iteration of the Traditionnelle complete calendar watch opts for a case in 18K white gold and a velvet-finish slate grey dial, fitted with a black alligator leather strap.
