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, 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 in the vanguard 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 and 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 can not. 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
This beautiful Vacheron & Constantin is simply the epitome of style and class. The perfect, understated dress watch which nevertheless is of the very highest quality in every regard. The watch dial, while conservative, has upon closer examination a wonderfully attractive spiral effect, which elevates this watch to something truly special.
This classic Vacheron & Constantin vintage dress watch is perfect for both evening wear or with care, everyday use, as you so wish.
The Dial
In addition to its very fine movements, Vacheron & Constantin is widely renowned for the quality and elegance of its watch dials. Here we have a fine, completely original, unrestored and untouched off-white dial with applied gold batons which are swept by unrestored ‘fils’ hands. This is a rare and unusual dial and one of the first like this we have seen.
Larger faceted batons at 12, with the Vacheron Maltese Cross below and the signatures ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Genève’, complete the upper half of the dial. The lower half of dial is simply signed ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom. Simple style and class personified.
Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we offer. However here, we decided against this, due to its exceptional condition and to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to offer a contrast with most of the other watches you see on our website, which have their dials restored.
The Movement
The Calibre 1003 was originally conceived by Jaeger-LeCoultre as the Cal.803, upon request from Audemars Piguet and Vacheron & Constantin. Vacheron & Constantin named this its Calibre 1003 and Audemars Piguet its Calibre 2003. This movement was exclusive to the two companies and no one else, not even Jaeger-LeCoultre, has ever used this movement. First introduced by Vacheron & Constantin in 1955 and still produced to this day, this remains the world’s thinnest traditionally constructed watch movement ever produced to date at 1.64mm high and 20.80mm in diameter. The 1003 is chronometer quality and it has no shock-proofing, because it’s so light. It really is one of a handful of horological accomplishments of all time. Most people do not realise that a true ‘ultra-thin’ such as this, is more complex, expensive and exclusive than most other highly complicated watches. Indeed an ultra-thin movement is considered by watchmakers as a ‘complication’. Vacheron models containing the calibre 1003 today, retail for over £20,000, so ‘going vintage’ offers a real bargain.
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 +7 seconds per day! This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and is no idle exaggeration as this has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has a power reserve of 30 hours when fully wound, which is well 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 ’18 Jewels’ with the Calibre number K1003, the movement serial number 574090 and Swiss Geneva hallmarks. The movement serial number dates this watch to 1966.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
Vacheron & Constantin has been, from its very early beginnings, the torchbearer of Haute Horlogerie. This is reflected not only in its movements, but also in its watch cases.
This larger sized, very high quality and heavy 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the unsigned crown. This watch has outstanding lugs in that they seem hidden. This makes the watch look slightly raised on the wrist, giving the case an overall design feel similar to a Patek Calatrava.
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 a 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, along with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks “18K 0.750″. It also carries the Vacheron & Constantin model number 6487 and the case serial number 405638. Importantly, the heavy case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.
As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new high quality brown Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain gold-plated buckle. 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 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 1966.
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 box, as shown in the photographs.
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 name. 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. 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 020 7727 7095 or +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 
