The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

March 31, 2022

As part of their newly-announced 2022 novelties for Watches and Wonders 2022, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled the latest version of the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph and it's the first time that this model will be offered in platinum with a salmon dial. The current range includes platinum with a black dial or pink gold with a silver opaline dial, so the salmon certainly works to round out the offerings for this legacy grand complication from Vacheron Constantin. ? Like its siblings, the new salmon Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is 43mm wide, 12.94mm thick, and comes fitted to an alligator strap with a matching platinum folding clasp. Functions include a full perpetual calendar (displayed via a trio of small apertures and a date at six o'clock), along with a 30-minute chronograph coordinated by a pair of blued hands, and a platinum moonphase disc tucked into a traditional aperture in the subdial at six.? All of this functionality is made possible by Vacheron Constantin's long-standing 1142 QP movement, which ticks at 3 Hz, is manually wound, rocks some 324 components, and is a Hallmark of Geneva certified movement. Based on the preceeding 1141 QP, the 1142 QP can trace its roots back to the '40s and the legendary Lemania 2320.? Production will be limited annually but the model is not specifically limited or numbered as an edition. Price is available upon request in the event you have your local Vacheron boutique on speed dial.? What We Think I mean, given that I don't know the price, what's not to like? Joking aside, this line extension makes a lot of sense as two of the brand's most notable competitors have precious white metal QP chronos with salmon dials (thinking specifically of the platinum Patek 5270 and the Lange Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon in white gold). As a standalone expression of Vacheron Constantin's traditional take on a grand complication, the salmon Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph captures the brand's old-world charm while offering a footprint that sets it apart from the competition.? Where the Patek and the Lange measure 41 and 41.5mm, respectively, the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is 43mm wide and the dial design makes great use of the real estate with a lovely layout that offers strong legibility for the variety of functions. The mixed finishing for the subdials looks excellent next to white gold hands and markers and a surrounding tachymeter scale.? I'd expect pricing to be a good bit north of the $117,000 list price of the current pink gold iteration and I certainly think this new salmon dial version feels the most special, and current, of the three offered models. If you happen to be in the market for a beautifully made grand complication with a salmon dial, get that line in the water as only a few of these fish will be released each year.? The Basics Brand: Vacheron ConstantinModel: Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Reference Number: 5000T/000P-B975Diameter: 43mm Thickness: 12.94 Case Material: 950 Platinum Dial Color: SalmonIndexes: AppliedWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Dark blue alligator with a platinum folding clasp The Movement Caliber: 1142 QPFunctions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, perpetual calendar, moon phase, column-wheel chronographDiameter: 27.5mmThickness: 7.37mmPower Reserve: 48 hoursWinding: manualFrequency: 3 HzJewels: 21 Additional Details: Hallmark of Geneva certified Pricing & Availability Price: Available upon request Availability: Exclusive to Vacheron Constantin boutiquesLimited Edition: Limited annual production, not individually numbered.? Shop this story For more information, visit Vacheron.