Vacheron Constantin 4241 Triple Calendar

Vacheron Constantin is not only the oldest member of the holy trinity, they also have the most bizarre lugs. Without question, I have not seen any serious mainstream watchmaker experiment with lug designs to the extent that Vacheron have previously. Cornes de Vache teardrop lugs? Check. 222 hexagonally integrated lugs? Check. 1940s triple calendar hooded-bar lugs? Today, check. This is not even to mention the other attributes of this gorgeous, mildly-complicated dresser—which are considerable.

Vacheron’s triple calendar began in 1942 with the 4240. It featured claw lugs, for the record. At 35mm with a stepped bezel, the model was a bit of a landmark. Its caliber 485 was based on JLC’s 449 (i.e. finished to a very high level and as accurate as things got in 1940). They later introduced this, a slightly larger 36mm variant under the reference 4241. It should be noted that both references came with a range of Vacheron JLC-based calibers. This example uses a manually-wound caliber 455 with Geneva striping and rhodium-plated brass. The dial blends coffin-shaped indices with Roman numerals and a blue-contrasting date scale. It’s a rare, beautiful, and extremely tasteful thing.

The majority of older Vacheron triple calendars I’ve come across have been for sale from the big three auction houses. That’s not to say these are unobtainium, but they are quite scarce. This example is sporting a condition to envy. Its case is strong and only very lightly marked. All engravings are clear. The dial is clear, legible, and untouched by time. Its movement is uncorroded and still sparkling. It comes with its original box and an extract of archive from a well-regarded retailer.

Find this 4241 here from Wrist Icons for 20500 EUR.