15 BEST Triple Calendar Watches for 2024 (Extremely Elegant!)

An ever-desirable complication near to our dear hearts here at Exquisite Timepieces is none other than a classic horological complication; the Triple Calendar. This one is practical, ageless, and elegant and has enchanted high-end collectors and watch enthusiasts since its invention in the 1920s.

Whisper with me softly, “Complete Calendar” … “Triple-Date” … “Moon Phase” … “Full Calendar” … dear, dear, don’t you feel the magical enticement flourishing from these words? But why so? Where does the spell from the triple calendar watch emanate from? Why is it so appealing?

Maybe the vintage classic design it often comes with makes it ideal for every true connoisseur. Or could it be the symmetrical and archetypical dial layout? Or the mechanical marvel within that is frequently paired with a spellbinding moon-phase disc?

Whatever it is, one thing that we all can agree on is the usefulness of the complete calendar and the fact that it conjures up a romantic atmosphere of pleasant memories of the past.

About Triple Calendars

The Complete Calendar, also called the “triple or full calendar”, is a watch that (in addition to the time) combines a day-date function with a month indicator and sometimes the phase of the moon. Considered the gateway timepiece to high complications, triple calendars remain a classic horological complication.

The evolution of horology is fascinating. Before clocks, devices known as Sundials were used to measure elapsed time by the shadow caused by a tall diagonal-standing object known as a gnomon. Then in 1360, Henry de Vick designed and built a mechanical clock. His design remained the primary layout for clocks for up to 300 years after the first.

These clocks had no dials or hands but could tell the time using two suspended weights to move the clock and strike the bell. After mechanical clocks, pendulum clocks were invented, then quartz clocks followed in 1927, and by 1925, Patek Philippe created the world’s first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar.

From then on, triple calendar watches came to stay, with Vacheron Constantine and Rolex being key players in its production.

What Is The Purpose of Triple Calendar Watches?

It is tough to contend against the day-to-day usefulness of a triple calendar watch. Sure, high complications like the tourbillon, minute repeater, and grand sonnerie are suprême representatives of watchmaking prowess.

However, when it comes down to their practical functions in modern times, the complete calendar is the only complication that affects everyone in the same way.  Apart from being equipped with useful functions, it is also a classic complication with an indelible imprint on the history of Horology.

We all need to be able to keep track of dates, visualize our schedules, stay organized, etc. The ability to read the day of the week, date, and month details in one glance is nothing short of exhilarating. Though it often gets under the radar in favor of its big brother, the perpetual calendar, the triple calendar, is a quintessential classic deserving of recognition.

Do note, however, that it has to be winded at the end of the month because it isn’t designed to consider the irregularity between months with 30 days and those with 31 days.

The Best Triple Calendar Watches

Here’s a roundup of 15 of the most significant complete calendar watches out there!

1. Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Complete Calendar (ref. 4000E/000A-B548)

Starting this list is none other than the Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Complete Calendar watch. A timepiece that epitomizes the marque’s Haute Horlogerie tradition of fine watchmaking that has continued interrupted since the 18th Century.

Founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron, Vacheron Constantin is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious watch brands. The brand, which is one of the ‘Holy Trinity’ of watches, is a legend in the making of complicated watches.

The timepiece is moderately proportioned with a diameter of 40mm and a height of 11.60mm and would suit a broad array of medium-sized wrists. The execution of the dial is clearly laid out and features different finishings with three textural tones.

The stark petroleum blue dial allows the white gold Arabic numerals, date indication, and hour markers to come to the fore. The dial is symmetrical with apertures for the day of the week and month at 12 o’clock. 

A moon phase (which will not require any adjustments for the next 122 years) features two 18K discs against a blue sky at 6’o clock. A central hand strikes the date, and legibility has been greatly preserved with luminescent batons and hands.

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back is the Calibre 2460 QCL/1, a self-winding movement manufactured by Vacheron Constantin with 27 jewels, 308 components, and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. 

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Triple Calendar (ref. 25807ST)

This Triple Calendar watch from Audemars Piguet is the kind of watch you wear on special occasions. The famous Royal Oak collection was launched in 1972 and contains some of the most exclusive models from AP. Presented in a 38mm stainless steel case, the timepiece is particularly stunning with distinctive features. 

From the tapisserie pattern on the dial to the octagonal bezel with screws, the level of attention is astounding and noteworthy. The black dial has intricate petite tapisserie patterns enlivened by luminous oval hour markers and steel baton hands.

Below 12 o’clock, you will find two rectangular windows displaying the day of the week and the month of the year, respectively. The date, which is around the minute scale on the outer perimeter of the dial, is indicated by a luminous hand with an arrow tip. 

Oscillating at the heart of the watch at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour is the in-house caliber 2127/2827. It is an automatic self-winding movement with 36 jewels, a rotor with a 21K gold section, and a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound. It is water resistant to a depth of 50 meters and features a perfectly integrated stainless steel bracelet closed by a double-deployment clasp.

3. Baume & Mercier Clifton Complete Calendar (ref. 10450)

Baume & Mercier was founded in 1930 by Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume. The Swiss luxury watchmaker is famous for its grand complication models and aesthetically pleasing watches that look like art. The layout of the Complete Calendar from the brand is remarkably well-executed. 

The watch is presented on a round stainless steel case that measures 43mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.3mm. The size might be somewhat large, but the curved lugs and relatively slim crown make it wear more comfortably than its dimensions suggest.

The white dial is enchanting, and features applied numerals juxtaposed with teardrop-shaped indices. Below 12 o’clock, the words “Baume & Mercier Geneve” are neatly displayed. Underneath the wordings, you will find two apertures showing the day of the week and the month of the year.

A relatively long, finely finished blue central hand tells the date indicated in blue printing under the minute track around the dial. It is very thoughtful of the designers to distinguish this hand from the second hand. Above 6 o’clock is the moon phase indicator just beneath the center pinion.

Providing a power reserve of 42 hours is the caliber BM11900, a self-winding movement from Dubois Dépraz.

4. IWC Portofino Complete Calendar (ref. IW3590-01)

The Portofino Perpetual Calendar collection was launched in 2022 to reawaken the legendary crown-operated perpetual calendar invented by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s. The IW3590-01 is the very first timepiece from IWC to feature a day, date, month, and moon phase complication.

The collection takes its design cues from the highly classical dress watches from the brand, particularly the perpetual calendar, but this one displays a simpler approach.

The watch is clean with an understated minimalistic look that evokes vintage pocket watches. Unlike other triple calendar watches with two apertures for the day and month under 12 o’clock, this timepiece elegantly showcases the calendar functions using a more contemporary two-register dial.

The sub-dials, which are bordered in gold, feature a concentric pattern that gives them depth and beauty. The one positioned at 12 o’clock displays the day of the week and a moon phase, while the one at 6 o’clock shows the date and month. 

Exquisite, well-proportioned, and sophisticated, the silver-plated dial is extremely legible and is adorned with gold-plated baton hour markers and hands. A blued steel seconds hand that matches the blue calfskin strap animates the somber dial minimizing its staid look. 

The 41mm x 11.8mm stainless steel case is entirely rounded and bears the sleek and polished look of the collection. The silver-plated dial is adorned with gold-plated baton hour markers and hands but has a blued steel seconds hand that matches the blue calfskin strap.

5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar (ref. Q4148420)

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar is presented on a 40mm stainless steel case that has a thickness of 10.95mm. The 50 meters water-resistant case bears the same design elements of the Master Control Collection with smooth curved sides and alternating polished and brushed surface finishing.

The sunray silver dial features a recessed flange with a radial calendar date above the minute track. Arabic-style numerals indicate the time at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock positions, while applied index hour markers have been used for the others.

At 12 o’clock, below the branding of JLC, two apertures sitting side by side display the day of the week and the month of the year. Red accents across the date track and on the tip of the central calendar hand add a superb contrast and a bit of charm to the clean dial.

Every feature has been sensibly designed, and a pair of silver hands have been used to match the markers and the case. Providing an impressive power reserve of 70 hours is the Calibre 866AA, which is visible through the sapphire case back.

6. Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet (ref. 6654 1127 55B)

Blancpain was founded in 1735 and is the oldest Swiss watch brand in operation. Famous for inventing one of the most complicated watches in the history of Horology ( the Blancpain 1735), the brand has remained committed to Its culture of innovation.

The Quantième Complet is one of the most refined, elegant, and timeless timepieces in the revered Villeret collection. The watch features many enchanting details that define a vintage timepiece from the 1960s. This timepiece has a thickness of 10.94mm and measures a fitting 40mm across with a medium-sized crown on the right side of the case.

The silver opaline dial is effortlessly readable, with two windows at 12 o’clock neatly displaying the days of the week and months. A beautiful blue serpentine hand méanders to the border of the dial, where it indicates the date elegantly.

At the base of the dial is a crescent-shaped moon-phase indicator with a shortened chemin de fer above it. Offering an impressive power reserve of 72 hours at the heart of the watch is the Caliber 6654.4.

7. Breitling Premier Datora (ref. RB2510371G1P1)

The Premier Datora is a watch that pairs vintage aesthetics with a contemporary case and movement. The timepiece, a true reminiscent of the Datora watches from the 1940s, has an old-world charm that cannot be imitated easily. Breitling began using the term Datora decades ago to signify complete calendar chronograph watches.

Launched in a bid to pay homage to Léon, Gaston & Willy Breitling, three generations of inventors, the Datora is simply stunning with a clean symmetrical appearance. The 18k red gold case measures 42mm in diameter and has a thickness of 15.35mm. The proportions are a bit contrary to its vintage inspiration, and it does wear on the larger side with a lug-to-lug of 50mm. 

The calendar apertures are below 12 o’clock, and the Breitling logo is compressed between it and the central hands for unhindered legibility. The dial, which is adorned with syringe hands and Arabic numerals, presents a lot of information but has managed to remain uncluttered.

There are three sub-dials; a running seconds register at 9 o’clock, a date and moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, and an elapsed minutes register at 3 o’clock. It is powered by the Breitling B25, a self-winding mechanical with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, and paired with a brown alligator leather strap.

8. Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface White Gold (ref. 4020T/000G-B655)

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface White Gold is truly an understated powerhouse. The ostentatious craftsmanship reflects in the open-worked sapphire dial construction. The white gold case measures 41mm in diameter and is 10.7mm high, with classical traits such as a stepped design and slim bezel.

The breathtaking dial features a sapphire crystal which allows the movement below to be savored. Around the dial is a slate gray flange that bears the railway minutes track, white gold indices, and the date. From 9 to 3 o’clock is a splendid compact gray slate embellished with a ribbed guilloché pattern to contrast the unmistakable technical look.

Two lovely Sapphire discs display the day and month in black indications against a white background. White gold dauphine hands strike the hours and minutes accurately, while a black dye hand with a crescent tip point out the date on the perimeter. Beating at 28,800 vph is the Calibre 2460 QCL/2 with 27- jewels, 312 parts, and a power reserve of 40 hours.

9. Longines Master Collection (ref. L2.773.4.78.3)

Longines is a brand that has firmly established itself in the world of Horology as a leading innovator. Apart from its strong watchmaking heritage, the well-respected brand is famous for producing low-cost luxury watches with breathtaking designs.

The Ref. L2.773.4.78.3 is a nod to the technical proficiency of the brand and is aesthetically pleasing, to say the least. The exciting timepiece has a vintage charm with a height of 14.2mm, giving it an acceptable visual presence. The round stainless steel case measures 42mm across and is mounted on a brown alligator leather strap curved to sit snugly against the case.

The timepiece is enchanting and features the same likable design elements found in the Master Collection lineup. The silver dial is embellished with a flawless barleycorn finish with blued steel hands, adding depth and opulence to the timepiece.

A slim blue central hand with a half-moon tip indicates the date. A sub-dial for the day and month is at 12 o’clock, a 24-hour indicator is at 9 o’clock, and the moon phase display is at 6 o’clock. Visible through the sapphire case back is the Longines caliber L687, a self-winding mechanical movement with approximately 66 hours of power reserve.

10. Blancpain Léman Moonphase Complete Calendar (ref. 2763-1130MA-71)

The Blancpain Léman Moonphase Complete Calendar is an elegant dress watch with an excellent quality and thoughtful design that will appeal to any watch collector. Pairing an appropriate case diameter of 38mm with a desirable dial design, the timepiece is sufficiently vintage and modern all at once.

For one, the symmetry and layout are faultless, and the watch has everything appropriate and nothing inappropriate. Below the 12 o’clock position, you’ll find two apertures displaying the day and month, and at 6 o’clock is a subsidiary seconds/moon phase indicator.

Skeleton hands filled with lume deck the dial, while an outer radial date ring is indicated by a central hand with a red arrow tip. Applied faceted silver baton indexes are used for the hour markers, except 3, 9, and 12 o’clock, which feature Roman numerals.

Overall the timepiece is functional with a timeless attraction, but more impressive is the movement. Constructed with 31 jewels, the Blancpain caliber 6763 is a high-grade self-winding movement with a power reserve of 100 hours. It is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters.

11. Girard-Perregaux 1966 Full Calendar (ref. 49535-11-1A2-BB60)

Girard Perregaux is a prestigious Swiss brand with roots that stretches back to 1791. The high-end luxury watch manufacturer has a long and rich history of making watches that mark far more than time.

Presented in a white gold case that measures a fitting proportion of 40mm x 10.7mm, the 1966 Full Calendar Ref. 49535-11-1A2-BB60 is a stunning timepiece. The silver opaline dial is neatly arranged with plenty of space despite featuring the time, a moon phase indicator, and the date, day, and month.

The dress watch has been designed for maximum wearing comfort with a black alligator leather strap perfectly integrated into the case. The complete calendar functions are presented in the traditional layout. The day and date apertures are neatly arranged in a legible pair at 12 o’clock as white text against a black background that blends perfectly with the theme of the dial.

A radial date display and moon phase at 6 o’clock keeps the dial blanched and clean. Highly polished hour markers adorn the face of the dial and look incredibly elegant when paired with slender hour and minute hands. Providing a power reserve of approximately 46 hours is the caliber GP03300-0118 which is visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back.

12. Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar (ref. MB118516)

Presented in a 42 x 11.4 mm steel case, the Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar features classic good looks with a harmonious and highly legible dial. The quality of the watch is excellent by all standards, and the case is flawlessly executed with good details. The bezel and top of the lugs have been finely polished, while the case itself is nicely brushed.

The Star Legacy Full Calendar is unquestionably an exquisite watch both in appearance and construction. Enchanting historic details like a railway track with dots and a “filet sauté” guilloché motif spanning across the dial’s periphery are bound to evoke nostalgic feelings in avid collectors.

The dial is beautiful and seamlessly presents the time, day, date, month, and moon phase in an enchanting, easy-to-read display. The stainless-steel case back features an insert pane of sapphire crystal at the center, offering a view of the Montblanc Caliber MB 24.30 that provides approximately 50 hours of power reserve.

13. Wempe Zeitmeister Classic Moon Phase and Full Calendar (ref. WM350002)

First class is the name of the game with Wempe’s Classic Moon Phase and Full Calendar, whose design is bold and breathtaking. According to the company, the full calendar is among Its best-selling complications, and it’s easy to see why.

The stainless steel case measures 42mm across and is relatively thick at 14.1mm. The round case has fat, short lugs and a large onion crown on the right side. The entire case is polished, and the fixed bezel keeps the domed sapphire crystal in place. The dial is magnificent, with great details and a timeless design that won’t go out of fashion.

You have a dial with a concentric pattern in the center and a smooth brushed outer ring. Silver baton hour markers that have a sword tip provide a nice contrast to the white background. Sword hands make the watch look elegant, and a central hand with a red crescent tip indicates the date.

The upper part of the dial has the brand’s name, and below the date ring, you’ll find the day and month. The Caliber DD 5900, a self-winding movement, provides a power reserve of 42 hours.

14. Zenith El Primero 410 Complete Calendar Chronograph (ref. 03.2091.410/01.C494)

Zenith is a brand that excels at manufacturing watches that are conservatively styled. Measuring 42 mm in diameter, the Ref. 03.2091.410/01.C494 is a chronograph movement with day, date, month, and moon phase functions. The timepiece has a classical note that will remain attractive for decades to come.

The dial contains much information, but Zenith has done a great job keeping it clean and uncluttered. The silver-toned dial has beautifully faceted hands and hour markers applied with Super Luminova. A date window is subtly positioned between the 4 and 5 o’clock index without disrupting any other component on the dial.

The apertures for the day and month are positioned at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock, respectively, while the moon phase indicator can be found at the lower sub-dial of the chronograph. The moon phase disc is blue and corresponds nicely with the blue chronograph second hand while offering a comely contrast to the sunray finished dial.

15. Omega Speedmaster Triple Date Moon Phase (ref. 175.0034)

Omega is a brand that knows how to merge traditional craftsmanship and modern technology in the making of Its watches. The Triple Date Moon Phase from the revered maison is a vintage dress watch with pleasant design features and practical complications. 

The timepiece is presented on a yellow-gold case that measures 39mm. There are eight hands (yes, eight), two windows, the usual hour, minute, and second marks, and three sub-registers at 12, 9, and 6 o’clock.

You have the moon phase aperture taking over the 6 o’clock index and the day and month window sitting in the 30-minute totalizer at 12 o’clock. The Omega logo is across at 3 o’clock, and at nine, you will find a small subdial for the active seconds and 24-hour time. The dial is certainly busy and borders on chaotic, but the layout is simple and legible.

Conclusion

A complete calendar watch will remain one of the most practical and poetic devices in the world of Horology. There may be no ‘hype’ around it now, and it might not be ‘hot’ on the market, but these timepieces are true connoisseur watches. Highly desirable. Highly functional and elegant. If you don’t have one in your collection yet, your shelf isn’t complete.