‘Semainier’ 47052 Vacheron Constantin Triple Calendar, White Gold

Pre-Richemont Vacheron Constantin can be accurately summed up by just the hands and dial of this ref. 47052. The hands are voluminous and domed, almost cylindrical with a mirror polish. That finishing takes time. And then there’s the dial: ‘Vieux Panier’ hand guilloché that almost resembles brushstrokes, applied Matese cross, hand-lettered months, and a solid lapis moonphase. This was small production, distilled traditional watchmaking. The 47052, better known as the ‘Semainier’, is a 36mm neo-vintage Triple Calendar that oozes attention to minute detail.

The Semainier is so named for its pointer hand which rather unusually scrolls though weeks of the year, with the month named under the number. Everyone loves and knows the 1942 and 1948 Les Historiques Triple Calendar which was introduced in 2017, but both built upon this foundation. The 47052 was far less produced, introduced in the early 90s just before Richemont acquired VC in 1996. This was a time of smaller volumes and, at least in references like this, an immense attention to detail. The calibre is a JLC 889 ébauche, this predates the in-house obsession. But the JLC base is excellent and desirable to many. Where the more modern Triple Calendars sprawl at 40mm, this is a classic ‘Patrimony’ stepped-bezel, soldered lug case with a solid white gold, hand-engraved caseback.

Forgotten would be a stretch, but this is definitely one of the lesser-discussed corners of VC collecting that’s well due some revisited attention. It’s proportions, more than anything, are lovely at just 8mm thin. It seems to suck in your eye like a black hole simply in the quality of its finishing and design. Viewing this 47052 in the context of the 43031 QP and even more badass 49005 QP Chronograph really speaks to the passion VC poured into their classic complications. None relied on the nostalgic appeal of tugging at vintage heartstrings, and yet felt perfectly balanced in design. This is the most accessible entry point into that point of VC history, yet one of the most attractive. The more dimly lit corners of the holy trinity’s history are some of the more interesting places to look in horology.

This example is sporting a great case with light wear only from what can be seen. The dial appears completely undamaged with beautiful clear print unmarred. It is coming to market from a well-regarded Parisian retailer. Unknown if set is included.