A closer look at two Vacheron Constantin novelties ahead of SIHH

For the past couple of years, Vacheron Constantin has stunned us with the most extraordinary grand complications. In 2015, we were bowled over by the “most complicated watch in the world”, Reference 57260, which came with 57 complications. Then last year, they introduced another groundbreaking timepiece, the Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600, with 27 astronomical complications that were first highlighted on the 57260.

We’re hoping to see more grand complications of this scale at SIHH, but for now, the watch company has released two watches that are on the more practical side to whet our appetite.

The Traditionelle Complete Calendar Collection Excellence Platine highlights – you guessed it – the complete calendar complication. Also called a triple calendar function, the watch displays the date, and also tells the day of the week and the month of the year.

At 41mm and in platinum, the watch is understated and elegant, heightened only by the precious metal; marrying the aesthetic codes of the Tradionelle collection as well as the exclusivity of the Excellence Platine signature. Two windows at three o’clock and nine o’clock tell the day and month, while the moon phase indicator is positioned at six o’clock. Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands, and the bâtons de Genève hour-markers tel the time, while the blue Arabic numerals around the sand-blasted dial and a blue central hand tells the date.

Only 100 pieces of the Traditionelle Complete Calendar Collection Excellence Platine will be produced.

And as for the second watch, travellers would love the Overseas Dual Time, which features a new calibre 5110 DT with a 60-hour power reserve, that allows the wearer to simultaneously read two timezones on the dial.

A second central hand, marked with a red arrow tip, indicates home time. There’s also an AM/PM indicator, also with a red arrow, at nine o’clock to help keep track of day and night at home. The date can be seen at six o’clock, and is synchonised with local time.

The watch also comes with a six-sided bezel inspired by the emblematic Maltese cross, making it distinctively a Vacheron Constantin watch. There are three versions offered, in stainless steel with a blue dial or a silver-toned dial, and a fancier 18K pink gold version which comes with a silver-toned dial.

Be sure to stay tuned to see the timepieces in the metal when we take you to SIHH later this month.

This article was updated on January 26