Logo

The Perpetual Calendar - It will remain accurate until 2100

By Kristen Shirley Published 01/27/2023
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • email
These watches will remain accurate until 2100

Image: Vacheron Constantin

Perpetual calendars are among the most complicated watches that exist and are a true feat of miniaturization and engineering. A perpetual calendar watch accurately tells the day and date as long as they are kept wound, even accounting for leap years.

A perpetual calendar watch typically displays the day of the week, date, month, and year in the leap-year cycle. Many also include a moonphase. Watch brands use windows and subdials to indicate the calendar. Historically, perpetual calendar watches were classic, elegant dress watches. But, as more brands have mastered the perpetual calendar, there’s a wide range of watches out there that suit every style, including many bold, sporty timepieces.

These watches will remain accurate until 2100

Image: Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest and most prestigious watch brands in the world and is a master of perpetual calendars. It produces perpetual calendar watches in many of its collections, including the elegant Patrimony and Traditionnelle lines, where it recently introduced its first-ever women’s perpetual calendar watch, as well as the sporty Overseas collection.

Since it was revamped in 2016, the Overseas collection has expanded to include a host of complications, including dual time, chronograph, tourbillon, and ultra-thin perpetual calendars, some of which are skeletonized to show off the complicated and perfectly finished movement.

These watches will remain accurate until 2100

Image: Vacheron Constantin

Glancing at the subdials, you will notice that something seems to be missing. Where’s the leap-year cycle, and what’s happening with the month disk? Instead of including separate indications for the month and leap year, Vacheron Constantin opted to combine them by showing the first month in each quarter for four years. The leap year months are in blue font instead of white to distinguish them.

While it’s a little odd, it allows for a perfectly symmetrical design that includes all of the information in four subdials without needing to include two indications within one subdial or break the harmonious dial composition with a leap-year aperture.


MORE FROM FORTLOC


Point of Interest

THE SPANISH STEPS

Point of Interest

UNDERWATER ECO-MUSEUM IN CANNES

Experience

BENTLEY’S 'EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS'

Hotel

Iconic Luxury Hotels in London

Resort Town

THE PENINSULA OF BILLIONAIRES

Museum

Mercedes Museum