Strap Guide: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 31

Strap Guide written by @nielsmpe. Thank you Niels!

Introduction

Throughout the 1990s Vacheron Constantin produced a range of triple calendars in the Historiques collection, but always in precious metal. As per tradition. Introduced in late 2017 the 1942 Triple Calendrier made complications democratic again. No political pun intended. Housed in a stepped 40mm case with an artistic lug design, reminiscent of the famous corne de vache, this contemporary take on a traditional complication made its debut amid a sports watch craze.

The watch – as traditional as it may appear – actually has a quirk. A rather important one. The metal. It’s highly unusual to present a complicated watch in a steel case for Vacheron Constantin – and most other high-horology houses for that matter. The ref. 3110V broke that tradition. Since I bought it over a year ago this has been a regular in my rotation and it’s not likely to leave ever again.

Glossy Grey Crocodile Signature

Rarely does a crocodile strap dress anything down, but this is exactly what this one does. Although you get the traditional shimmer from a croc strap, there’s a subdued casual quality to the look of this - seldom found in croc straps. My biggest gripe with crocodile straps in general, and why I tend to get rid of them, is the time they take to “break in”. Often I find them stiff and uncomfortable, but this one is another story. Buttery smooth from the get-go and just begs to be worn with jeans and a t-shirt.

Orange Buttero Slim

Just look at this combo. This strap transforms the watch from an embossed “old world” aesthetic to a fresh “drinks on the beach” vibe. Apart from adding an overdose of chic to the equation it actually makes the dial pop as well. Something about the play between the champagne notes and the bright orange really lightens the whole feel of the watch.

Avocado Chevre Slim

I wear a lot of green. Like a LOT. Obviously, I opted for a couple of green combos. The earthy tone from this pairs exceptionally with everything from an army overshirt to a bomber jacket. Definitely a fall favorite.

Green Buttero Slim

Second green option. While this one is glossy – which makes it dressier by default - it’s not overdone. There’s still some room to play in terms of pairing it with a casual outfit. For me, this is an ideal strap to go with a washed pair of jeans and a T-shirt. I ordered this strap in a smaller size just to check out the difference. While I know a lot of people don’t like the flare you get from the excess strap it bugs me not the see that stump peeking out.

Light Grey Chevre Slim

The real winner of the bunch. Something about this combo just hits right. I’m a sucker for grey, so in that regard, I might be biased, but honestly… How great does this look, huh? The watch you get when you pick it up on a blue OEM alligator and the one you wear with this light grey chevre is just two different things. A total transformation.

Natural Buttero Slim

Here’s an option for the ages. This strap could dress down everything from watches to royalty. It picks up patina quite fast and will only look better over time.