Watches

Vacheron Constantin’s new Historiques models are inspired by icons of the past

New icons

02.10.2017

By Su Fen Tan

Vacheron Constantin’s new Historiques models are inspired by icons of the past

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques collection is where past icons are honoured with contemporary reinterpretations. Today, the brand unveils three new models to the range: the Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942, Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948—both inspired by calendar watches of the 1940s—and for the ladies, the American 1920 Small Model. 

 

Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942

Inspired by the iconic reference 4240 which was introduced in 1942, this steel model features a distinctive triple gadroon caseband with “claw-type” lugs (a design typical of the 40s) and a triple calendar complication. While the original bears a 35mm case, the new watch takes on a modern size of 40mm x 10.35mm in diameter. It is driven by the hand-wound caliber 4400 QC.


Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948

The Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948, on the other hand, is inspired by the reference 4240L, a triple calendar with a lunar complication. Design-wise it is highly similar to the 1942 version, but it is crafted with 18K 4N pink gold with matching hour markers. Powered by the caliber 4400 QCL (L for lune, which means moon in French), this model is limited to just 200 pieces.


Historiques American 1921 Small Model

Unlike the two triple calendar models, the Historiques American 1921 is reinterpreted in a smaller 36.5mm size, ideal for the ladies as well as men who prefer smaller timepieces. The unique dial immediately catches attention at first glance, with a diagonal display and off-centred crown. This is made possible by a 45-degree counter-clockwise rotation of the movement, enabling the wearer to read the time while driving without having to twist the wrist—fun fact: the original model was created by Vacheron Constantin in the 1920s for an American client with a passion for cars.  

The new Vacheron Constantin Historiques collection is expected to be released in December.

 

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