Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface: An Open Book Of Haute Horlogerie

Earlier this year, Vacheron Constantin gave center stage to the complete calendar with a new model in the Traditionnelle collection. This classic proposition now gets a more contemporary touch as the brand launches a so-called openface version. To achieve this, Vacheron Constantin reworked the dial and made it from sapphire crystal. As a result, part of the levers and gear train that make the complete calendar function are now visible. This usually is not that interesting to see, as the only moment of motion is around midnight each day. For Vacheron Constantin, motion is not needed to create something spectacular.

Instead, they opted to highlight the refined craftsmanship of the complication as an ode to high-end watchmaking. To achieve this, they applied an anthracite NAC galvanic surface treatment to the movement’s bridges. As a result, the gears and levers stand out much more. This gives the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface a contemporary touch while at the same time highlighting watchmaking heritage.

Vacheron Constantin constructed the dial on different levels, resulting in a three-dimensional creation that is very captivating. The day and month indicators are also printed on sapphire discs, and their display is brought to the dial’s center. This is an elementary difference with the version of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar that sports a regular dial. Vacheron Constantin did well to differ these details, as they balance out the design of each of the watches in their own way. The moon phase display gets a similar treatment, as an opaque segment of sapphire crystal covers the lower half. It is details like this that give the watch a tantalizing contemporary twist. Vacheron Constantin is offering the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface in either white or pink gold, both sporting the same 41mm large case, and powered by Caliber 2460 QCL/2. This self-winding movement consists out of 312 components, all finished to perfection, earning this watch the prestigious Geneva Seal. The complete calendar is also equipped with a precision moon phase, which only needs correcting once every 122 years. All combined is the Openface edition of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar a welcome addition to the collection, offering a more modern twist on the traditional, high-end watchmaking this model is known for.