Vacheron & Constantin
One of the recognised ‘Holy Trinity’ of Swiss watchmaking along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron & Constantin is also the world’s oldest ‘Watch Manufacture’, and as such, it has remained in continuous operation since 1755. More than this, Vacheron & Constantin is the founding father of a spirit of technical excellence taken so far, it is considered an art. This is known as ‘Haute Horlogerie’ in which Vacheron & Constantin has been the for over 260 years. This tradition defines the Manufacture, evident in the finest quality execution, reflected in a finish which goes far beyond the demands of the ‘Poinçon de Genève’.
Created in 1886 the ‘Seal of the State of Geneva’ is the highest accolade, reserved for only the very finest quality watchmaking. Vacheron & Constantin was the first watchmaker to be allowed to use this hallmark of excellence on its movements. This, along with its extraordinarily high standards of quality and manufacture, lead many watchmakers, horologists and watch industry experts to believe Vacheron & Constantin reigns supreme among the finest quality watch manufacturers of the world.
To the collector, Vacheron & Constantin offers a level of exclusivity which even the more famous Patek Philippe cannot. During the 1940s and through to the 1960s, Vacheron & Constantin only ever produced a maximum of 24 examples of each reference in any one configuration. This means that while it produced a variety of dial and case combinations, colours and designs, each one was strictly limited in number. For the collector, the fact that these watches are seriously undervalued doesn’t go unnoticed either.
Description
A contemporary classic design from Vacheron & Constantin with Breguet style numerals over a gold dial. This is Vacheron and Constantin model reference 7811 with a Calibre 1014 hand-wound movement in a slimline 34mm, 18ct yellow gold watch case.
This would make the perfect watch for office use or evening wear. It has received a full inspection and service, and a gentle hand-polish by our restoration team. The unusual yellow gold dial has been previously restored to a very high standard.
The Dial
The dial has a clean simplicity and elegance enhanced by the omission of a seconds hand. This is a mark of both Patek Philippe and Vacheron & Constantin dress watches.
The dial carries 1 – 12 Breguet numerals in black against a yellow gold dial with a slight vertical graining. This catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The original black ‘index’ hands are in tip-top condition.
The dial has been the subject of a previous very high quality restoration.
The Movement
The Vacheron Calibre 1014 seen here was highly successful and formed the backbone of Vacheron Constantin’s production of hand-wound wristwatches for around 25 years during the latter part of the last century.
This example is in amazing condition having just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Vacheron & Constantin specialist watchmaker. It is running perfectly and has been calibrated in 5 positions to run within +4 seconds per day! This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and is no exaggeration – we have checked and confirmed the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound which is within expectations for this movement.
With care and regular servicing, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months’ written warranty*.
The movement is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’, ‘Geneve Swiss’ and ’17 Jewels’ with the Calibre number 1014, the movement serial number 642823 and Swiss Geneva hallmarks. Also ‘Adjusted to Heat & Cold, Isochronism and 5 Positions’. The movement serial number dates this watch to 1982.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
Vacheron & Constantin has, from its very early beginnings, been the torchbearer of Haute Horlogerie. This is reflected not only in its movements, but also in its watch cases. The Vacheron & Constantin model ref 7811 case here measures 33mm, excluding the crown. The case is quite slim, measuring only 8mm in depth including the lens.
Few appreciate today that for the vast majority of the time the concept of a wristwatch has existed, 32mm was considered the typical size for a gentleman’s dress watch. We feel sure, once the current fad for outsized watches has passed, these smaller high-end vintage watches will become widely appreciated once again.
The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition.
Inside, the case-back all is as expected, and properly signed, ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ ‘Swiss’ with the classic Maltese Cross twice, along with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks “18K 0.750″. It also carries the Vacheron & Constantin model number 7811 and the external case serial number 473145. Importantly, the heavy case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.
The unsigned 18ct crown is original as we have yet to find a Vacheron & Constantin model ref 7811, or movement calibre 1014, with a signed crown.
As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high-quality black Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain gold plated buckle, which we feel suits this watch very well. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 18mm straps if you wish here.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1982.
A detailed particulars document will be included with this watch, along with our fully detailed purchase receipt and 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.
The watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation case.
In Conclusion
One of the horological accomplishments of all time, this wonderful, iconic and collectable gentleman’s dress watch is also from horology’s oldest and most respected names. This will not only make an excellent dress watch but also provide an excellent investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095. If calling from overseas our landline number: +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
