Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date, 270th Anniversary 'Openface', Platinum

The 270th Anniversary of Vacheron Constantin in 2025 brought with it a partially-opened version of its storied Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date, made in 370 examples. The opened sections of the dial overlook an array of levers, discs, and gears associated largely with the scrolling of calendar and retrograde functions. The 18k gold dial was treated in an asymmetric hand-guilloché Maltese cross motif, highlighting the occasion. This opened dial highlights a unique combination of Vacheron Constantin’s two foundational complications: the retrograde and perpetual calendar. 

At the heart of the piece is the new calibre 2460 QPR31/270. The movement comprises 312 components, delivers a 40-hour power reserve, and features a perpetual calendar with day, month, and leap-year cycle that requires no correction until the year 2100. Day and month sapphire discs scroll through a blue background, matching the blue-track retrograde date at 12. The moonphase disc features a white gold moon that’s been welded, laser ablated, and hammered to create a unique texture. The ‘Openface’ concept made for this Anniversary is not equivalent to skeletonziation, but created to show off the layers of mechanisms while still keeping the base of the calibre closed.  

This Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date was made in 370 examples, often mis-cited as 270 in error. The correct figure, confirmed by multiple authorized sources, is 370. The case is sculpted entirely in 950 platinum, measuring 41mm and 11mm thin. The caseback carries a discreet anniversary engraving alongside the maison's signature "côte unique" finishing on the Geneva Seal calibre.

This Anniversary complication presents a rare stroke of true creativity from a ‘holy trinity’ member in contemporary production. It is one of the most distinctly-approached perpetual calendars made of recent years, mechanically intriguing and with an identity all its own. Since the Don Pancho, the retrograde has served as basis for many unsual time displays at Vacheron Constantin. This perpetual calendar blends Vacheron Constantin's storied history of unusual time displays to a contemporary complicated calendar, allowing its wearer to enjoy its mechanical drama fully. 

This 4030T/000P-H054 presents in excellent overall condition. The case bears only light signs of occasional use. Its calibre 2460 QPR/270 is running well in specification on our timing equipment, including all functions related to the retrograde scrolling and calendar functions. It comes with its full set.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.