Introducing Vacheron Constantin Unveils Three Traditionnelle Openface limited editions

In celebration of its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin presents three Traditionnelle Openface limited editions, each reflecting the Maison's relentless pursuit of technical mastery and stylistic creativity. These timepieces, limited to 370 pieces each, showcase the Maison's signature openworked dials and retrograde displays.

The journey began with a partially openworked pocket watch in 1918, featuring an astronomical calendar. Decades later, in 2002, the openface concept resurfaced with Reference 47247, where a retrograde date mechanism was partially exposed. This innovative spirit continued with the 2019 Traditionnelle Twin Beat perpetual calendar and the 2023 Traditionnelle Tourbillon. Similarly, the retrograde display made its debut in 1940 with the 'Don Pancho' wristwatch, reemerging with the 1994 Mercator and 2000s Reference 47245. These 270th-anniversary models honor these icons while integrating contemporary elegance.

All three models share the same 41 mm platinum case. However, a closer look reveals subtle differences in thickness: the Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date measures 10.94 mm, the Tourbillon Retrograde Date is 11.07 mm, and the Complete Calendar is 11.05 mm. While these fractions of a millimeter may seem negligible, which is likely due to the complexity and components of each movement rather than an intentional design difference. The caseback reveals the iconic 'côte unique' finishing on the bridges, a technique rediscovered in 2021 while reproducing the Historiques American 1921. The seemingly simple finish demands over 500 hours of precision work to ensure harmonious alignment.

Each of these timepieces is adorned with a finely hand-guillochéd 270th-anniversary pattern inspired by Vacheron Constantin's emblem, the Maltese Cross. The Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date features a retrograde date display that sweeps in an arc with a blued hand. Alongside this, the dial includes day, month, leap-year indications, and a moon-phase indicator at 6 o'clock. Powered by Calibre 2460 QPR31/270, this automatic movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 40 hours.

The Tourbillon Retrograde Date showcases a similar retrograde date display. However, the tourbillon takes center stage at 6 o'clock. This model houses the Calibre 2162 R31/270, an automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5Hz) with a 72-hour power reserve.

However, the Complete Calendar Openface offers a triple calendar display that seamlessly shows the day, date, month, and a moon-phase complication, with a central blued hand indicating the date. The watch is powered by Calibre 2460 QCL/270, an automatic movement that offers a modern take on the in-house Calibre 2450. Operating at 28,800 vph (4Hz), the movement has a power reserve of 40 hours.

Completing the aesthetic, each watch features a hand-sewn, large square-scaled dark blue alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone saddle stitching and a half Maltese Cross pin buckle. As for the prices, the Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date Openface comes at $107,000, equivalent to AED 409,000, the price of the Complete Calendar Openface is priced at $69,500, equivalent to AED 263,000, and the price of the Tourbillon Retrograde Date Openface us upon request. 

For more information, visit Vacheron Constantin’s official website.