185Σ︎
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 47031
Malte Perpetual Calendar
A rare and very fine platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with retrograde date, leap year cycle indication, digital year indication and Certificate
完整圖錄內容
In fact, this is a very unusual execution of one of the most classic of all complications: the perpetual calendar. Instead of opting for a usual 3-subdials layout, only two subsidiary counters are employed - for the day and month - positioned on the lower half of the dial, leaving the entire top half available for the retrograde date indication. A highly intricate complication, the retrograde date had at the time been approached only by a handful of the top tier watch manufacturers. As a matter of fact, beyond its aesthetic and technical interest, this is a nod to Vacheron Constantin’s history: in the 1930s they made a very limited series of unique pieces indeed featuring a retrograde date.
On top of such an unusual architecture, a digital 4-digit year display has been included at 6 o ‘clock. The result is an extremely attractive dial which offers perfect readability of all the many calendar indications. Furthermore, it is distinguished by its absolute balance: everything on the dial is perfectly symmetrical with the exception of the small leap year indication at 3 which, rather than disrupting the looks of the piece, acts as a “beauty mark” of sorts, further emphasizing the balance of the watch.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.