Introducing Vacheron Constantin Unveils the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin

Vacheron Constantin is extending its tradition with a contemporary model: a perpetual calendar crafted in an unusually compact format, both in height and diameter. The new Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin is presented in three versions: one in 18-carat 5N pink gold, one in 18-carat white gold, and a white-gold model featuring a diamond-set bezel, lugs, and crown.

Produced for more than two decades (1983–2006), reference 43031 combined a 36 mm case with a notably slim 8 mm profile, along with a dial layout that showcased the perpetual calendar’s complex indications with impressive clarity and legibility. This approach to functional, well-organised display played a key role in shaping the new model.

The new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin is a contemporary interpretation of the minimalist perpetual-calendar aesthetic established by reference 43031, which set a benchmark for presenting extensive information in a restrained and coherent manner. As with the 43031, the appeal of the new models lies foremost in the clarity of the traditional four-point layout. At 12 o’clock, a 48-month indicator uses a hand to display both the month and the leap-year cycle; the date appears at 3 o’clock on a subsidiary dial with a 1–31 scale; a corresponding subdial at 9 o’clock shows the day of the week; and at 6 o’clock, the moon-phase aperture is paired with an indication of the moon’s age.

The construction of the case also draws directly from reference 43031: the new watches feature a stepped round case with a fluted caseback, straight lugs, and a slim bezel, offering water resistance to 30 metres. The dimensions measure 36.5 mm in diameter and just 8.43 mm in thickness. While compact, these proportions clearly echo the 19th-century ideal of refined, slender watchmaking, as well as the essential design language introduced by ref. 43031.

The dials of the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin models combine a railway-track minute scale with a clean, highly legible typeface for the calendar indications. The visible borders around the recessed subdials have been removed, integrating them into a unified silver-toned opaline surface that, while faithful to the historical design, introduces a subtly refreshed classical character.

This refined aesthetic is particularly evident in the colour variations of the new models and in the harmonious interplay between baton markers, Dauphine hands, and case materials. The pink-gold Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin adopts a fully cohesive design: the 5N pink-gold case colour extends to the faceted Dauphine hands, subdial hands, and applied baton indices. A contrasting note is provided by the deep blue background of the moon-phase display, with the moon itself rendered in matching pink gold.

The white-gold version of the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin takes on a subtle bicolour character, with all hands, baton markers, and the moon-phase moon crafted in pink gold, while the white-gold case offers a cooler, elegant counterbalance.

The diamond-set white-gold model follows a unified aesthetic: the case, hands, indices, and moon are all executed in white gold, while the square-set diamonds on the bezel, lugs, and crown echo the silvery opaline finish of the dial.

Powering all three models is the automatic Calibre 1120 QP, an ultra-thin movement developed and manufactured in-house by Vacheron Constantin, previously used in the celebrated Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin. topped with a perpetual calendar module. Just 4.05 mm thick, it beats at 19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz) and offers a power reserve of around 40 hours. Comprising 276 components, including 36 jewels, it bears the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Through the transparent sapphire caseback, the 22K gold oscillating weight can be admired. Exceptionnel Haute Horlogerie finishing.

Each watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap (dark blue for pink gold; light brown for white gold; dark blue for the gem-set version), paired with a matching gold pin buckle.

The prices of the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin models are as follows: both the pink-gold and white-gold versions are priced at 101,000 euros (equivalent to 430,700 AED), while the gem-set white-gold version is priced at 105,000 euros (equivalent to 447,750 AED).

For more information visit Vacheron Constantin’s official website.