Thank you for providing some excellent photos and thoughts on the ref. 47245, Day + Retrograde Date. We do not often get to see this platinum black dial version of the 47245, and it is the loveliest incarnation of the retrograde date from VC in modern times, I think. The more recent and current production Patrimony Contemporaine Retrograde Day And Date ( ref. 86020) is, in fact, the first VC I ever fell in love with. But over time I have come to appreciate the 47245 a bit more. It is, as you say, exquisite. With the black dial it takes on a more formal appearance than its gold 47245 siblings.
Perhaps a solid caseback would have been a better decision here as neither the movement nor the rotor is necessary to see. In the case of the Mercator, we really do want to see the movement, but only with a rotor like that found on the Saltarello or the Audubon series.
The 247 is a fascinating piece as well (a beautifully executed open face produced at a time when this was uncommon to say the least), and I see your point about this being the VC that you admire so much, but for me it is rather the 47245, a watch that I admit took me a bit of time to appreciate, which speaks to me most compellingly.
Thanks for this morning treat!
respo