2022 Year in Review: 4 Notable Perpetual Calendars

Continuing our annual recap tradition, today we look back at more of the most exciting and innovative releases that broke onto the scene in 2022. Like many years, this one saw the debut of many fascinating, complication-equipped timepieces, from chronographs to alarm watches to GMTs and more.  Today, we are highlighting the esteemed perpetual calendar complication, with the four below worthy of your note. 

Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture in Blue-Grey

This year Frederique Constant added to its coveted Highlife collection with a new blue-gray-dialed edition of the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture. Re-introduced to the market two years ago, the Highlife collection revives the spirit of previous Frederique Constant models that share the same name, all while approaching the design from a modernized perspective. 

At its core, the blue-gray version of the Highlife Perpetual Calendar maintains the base design of the original watch, with a steel tonneau case sized at 41 mm in diameter and 12.65 mm thick. On the blue-gray dial, the watch’s namesake calendar functions are displayed across three counters: day at 9 o’clock, month and leap year at 12, date at the 3, and moon phase at the 6. 

The Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture in blue-gray is available on a non-limited basis retailing for $9,950.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Limited Editions

Seven years ago, H. Moser & Cie. introduced its Endeavour Perpetual Calendar, which the brand paid tribute to earlier this year with the introduction of two models that are an evolution of the original. 

The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Limited Editions are offered in a substantial 42mm white gold case and each sport a funky blue fumé dial. The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar model offers a clean, unobstructed dial layout with metallic indices, while the ​​Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tutorial includes “tutorial” inspired markings that explicitly detail the special functions of the watch. The hours and minutes are shown in a traditional fashion, the style pairing with a small seconds counter toward the 6 o’clock position. Another hand indicates the months, while the power reserve indicator is positioned at 9 o’clock, perfectly balancing an oversized date aperture at 3 o’clock. 

The Endeavor Perpetual Calendar is priced at $60,000, while the limited edition Endeavor Perpetual Calendar Tutorial (limited to 20 pieces)  retails at $65,000.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar

Joining the lineup of popular releases at this year’s Watches and Wonders was Jaeger-LeCoultre, which debuted the latest edition to its Polaris collection: the Polaris Perpetual Calendar. 

The 42mm watch sports a JLC-styled supercompressor design, with a finely grained blue dial completing the look. The display harmoniously includes the day of the week, month, date, four-digit year, and leap year indication for its perpetual calendar functionality. At the 6 o’clock position is a detailed moon-phase aperture with a retrograde hand that indicates the north and southern hemispheres individually. The automatic manufacture caliber 868AA powers the chic blue display, with it ticking behind a sapphire caseback and is capable of 70 hours of reserved power. 

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar is available in stainless steel for $29,600 and pink gold for $44,300. 

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Also shown at Watches and Wonders 2022 was the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. The watch is a formal take on the style, and serves as one of the esteemed watchmaker’s latest takes to make use of the classic complication alongside a chronograph functionality.

The Traditionnelle features a unique salmon-colored dial with white gold hands and hour markers, while the chronograph and date functions are indicated by blued steel hands. Adding to the look, towards the upper part of the warm-toned dial are apertures for the day, month, and leap-year cycles. The technical performance of the watch is accentuated by the tachymeter scale around the periphery, adding to its dual complication ability and classical chic. 

Inside the timepiece, Vacheron Constantin opts for the manual-winding Caliber 1142 QP, a movement that dates back to the 1940s and is distinguished by both its sophisticated aesthetics and precision. The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is available at select boutiques, with price available upon request.