Vacheron Constantin is offering a reinterpretation of two complete calendar watches from 1942 and 1948, highlighting the Maison's mastery of "useful" complications with an iconic design. The aesthetic codes of the two new creations echo those of the original models, with a contemporary twist. Two triple-calendar timepieces return to centre stage, one in steel and one in 4 N pink gold in the moon phase version. The 40 mm-diameter case, crafted in the classic Vacheron Constantin style, features a number of stylistic references to the era, such as the triple knurled case middle and claw-shaped lugs. Equipped with a "box-type" crystal, whose slightly increased thickness enables the use of an extremely thin bezel, the timepiece, which is water-resistant to 30 metres, reveals through the back the Haute Horlogerie finishes of the new calibre with complete calendar, identified by the references 4400 QC and 4400 QCL for the moon-phase version. This hand-wound mechanical movement, beating at a frequency of 4 Hz, was developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin to preserve the original spirit of the 1940s calendars. The powerful barrel ensures a power reserve of 65 hours. The first model, in steel, the Triple Calendrier 1942, is inspired by the reference 4240, which made its debut in 1942 in yellow gold, pink gold and steel versions. True to the original, this understated and elegant model provides hour, minute, small seconds at 6 o'clock and date displays, while the day and month are displayed through a double window. The calendar displays are available in burgundy or dark blue, on a two-tone silvered dial characteristic of the era. The satin-brushed sunray-finished centre and the outer disc punctuated with Arabic numerals contribute to the legibility of the functions and accentuate the retro-chic elegance of the timepiece. Like its vintage predecessor, the Historiques Triple calendrier 1948 is crafted in 4 N pink gold and finished in a shade very similar to the original, giving it an extremely refined style. Produced in two limited series of 200 pieces each, it reinterprets the reference 4240L presented in 1948: a triple calendar embellished with a sophisticated astronomical complication, a high-precision lunar cycle (hence the "L" in the name) and small seconds at 6 o'clock. The current version is characterised by a series of exclusive elements of rare elegance. The dial features a silvered opaline centre and a satin-finished rim. The discreet nuances of the dial are punctuated by Roman numerals, while the triangular hour markers are traversed by delicate baton hands. The calendar functions and moon disc are optionally available in a burgundy or dark blue shade and are combined with a brown or dark blue leather strap with a pin buckle. The Manufacture's first calendars were made in 1755, shortly after the founding by Jean-Marc Vacheron. During the 19th century, the Maison demonstrated its excellent mastery of complications by creating technically sophisticated pocket watches that combined perpetual or complete calendars with major complications, such as minute repeaters. While Vacheron Constantin's first calendar wristwatches date back to 1920, the 1940s were the most prolific time in the company's history for this complication. The calendar models made during this period contributed greatly to the Manufacture's expansion and reputation around the world. Iconic models were born then, such as the references 4240 in 1942 and 4240L in 1948, the same ones that inspired the two new timepieces in the Historiques collection.
