Vacheron Constantin Cal.K1121 18ct 1968 on 18ct Bracelet

Vacheron Constantin

One of the widely recognised ‘Holy Trinity’ of Swiss watchmaking along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin is also the world’s oldest ‘Watch Manufacturer’ 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 which it has made an art form. This is known as ‘Haute Horlogerie’ at 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. Vacheron Constantin was the first watchmaker to be allowed to use this hallmark of excellence on its movements.

Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts, beginning in 1839. The manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l’Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.

For the well-heeled and the collector, vintage Vacheron & Constantin offer a degree of exclusivity which even Patek Philippe can not. During the 1940s and through 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 and colours and designs, each one was strictly limited in number. For the collector, the fact that these watches exist and are seriously undervalued doesn’t go unnoticed.

Description

This is quite a statement piece. This beautiful Vacheron Constantin dress watch measures 34mm diameter, excluding the correct V&C signed crown and carries a simply stunning vertical grain honey dial with black inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices and matching black inlaid index hands. Added to this, we have one of the very highest quality automatic movements ever produced.

The Dial

In addition to its very fine movements, Vacheron Constantin is widely renowned for its beautiful dials. This outstanding honey dial is completely original, unrestored and untouched, yet still remains in a beautiful and unique condition.

The classic Vacheron Constantin dial design here is totally ageless, understated and executed to perfection with outstanding black inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices which are clear and make this watch very easy to read while on the wrist. The beautiful rare vertical grain honey dial provides the perfect contrast between the case, original Index hands and dial furnishings. The symmetry and pure class here is matchless and for someone with an eye for classical watch design, totally irresistible.

The dial is simply signed ‘Vacheron Constantin’ and ‘Geneve’ just below 12 with ‘Automatic’ just above 6 and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom. This dial also has the addition of a perfectly proportioned date window at 3.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. The dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the images you see here may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

The hand-wound Calibre K1121, 36 jewel automatic movement here is utterly beautiful and very simply… a work of art.

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 +13 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and no idle exaggeration – we have checked and confirmed the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. With care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for another 50+ years! We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months’ written warranty*.

In addition, this movement carries the most highly regarded ‘Geneva Seal’. This is a distinctive hallmark depicting the Geneva coat of arms, granted by an official body at the Ecole d’Horlogerie de Genève and was only ever placed on movements which were able to achieve the most exacting standards and whose quality and finish conform to most precise and demanding specifications.

The movement is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’, ‘Geneve Swiss’ and ’36 Jewels’ and carries the Calibre number K1121.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The 18ct yellow gold case measures 34mm, excluding the correct original signed Vacheron & Constantin crown and features a wonderful woven bezel that matches the bracelet perfectly. 

The condition of the case is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only very light use and proper care. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with a case-back that is removed by unscrewing the 4 screws around the edge. It is in immaculate condition with no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The case-back also features the original Vacheron & Constantin sticker which can be removed if preferred.

Inside the case, the case-back all is signed correctly and as expected: ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Swiss’ with Swiss 18ct hallmarks.

Please note – as ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Bracelet

The original full size heavy woven 18ct yellow gold bracelet completes the watch beautifully. It is a work of art in itself and feels wonderful both on and off the wrist. The bracelet is almost as thick as the watch case and looks and feels as though formed as one. Some things are so well designed and so well made, they appear to have a form closer to nature, evolution and art, than to manufacture and this bracelet and case is no exception.

The bracelet is of its full size and has a three stage adjustable catch with a safety lock. It is designed for an average gent’s size wrist and measures 17.8cm on its smallest and 18.4cm at its largest adjustment. This is an integral bracelet that can be tailored to size if necessary.

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 1968.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by 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.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

This is a truly first class example of a vintage Vacheron Constantin which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Vacheron & Constantin prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Vacheron & Constantin watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them 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.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.