Vacheron Constantin
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DETAILS
This reference is definitely one of the most beautiful and attractive traditional hand-wound chronographs. It was launched in 1989 as part of the 'Les Historiques' collection, which was created as a tribute to the Geneva watchmaker’s long and proven tradition of producing fine pocket watches and wristwatches. The origins of this reference can be traced back to the iconic Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4178, which was introduced in 1940 and produced until 1964. Ref. 47101, and later Ref. 47111, inherited from the Ref. 4178 the characteristic – and among collectors very well–known – fan-shaped lugs and the harmonious layout of the dial with the peripheral tachymeter scale and the horizontal arrangement of the sub-dials. Thanks to these features, the Ref. 4178 is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and refined chronographs of all time, and the 47101 and 47111 models are regarded as the heirs to its charisma. From 2000 to 2004, the brand replaced the Ref. 47101 with the Ref. 47111, a modification with a caseback secured by four screws.
REASONS TO BUY
In our opinion, this Les Historiques Chronograph Ref. 47101/4 Type2 in yellow gold with black guilloché dial is an attractive and promising purchase for the collector looking for a refined, traditional mechanical chronograph of a legendary and historically significant classic design by Vacheron Constantin, a world-renowned watch brand that is a major player in the haute horlogerie and complicated timepiece market. The undisputed advantage of this chronograph is the outstanding technical characteristics of the caliber 1140, one of the most reliable and efficient hand-wound chronograph movements, which features a lateral clutch and column wheel, combined with outstanding esthetics and excellent hand finishing of all parts. In addition, the present example features a yellow gold case in Vacheron Constantin’s characteristic design, a charismatic black “sector” and Vieux Panier guilloché dial and the caliber 1140 of the newer (for this reference) Type2 version, which further enhances the collector’s value of the watch.
ABOUT THIS WATCH
Ref. 47101, chronograph without additional functions, was offered from 1989 to circa 1999, cased in yellow gold or in platinum. Hourlounge reports that approximately 1250 pieces of the Ref. 47101 were produced in yellow gold and 300 pieces in platinum. There were several dial options, with part of them embellished with guilloché: matt silver plated, the most widespread option, “champagne” colored, copper colored (so-called “salmon dial”), and black. The present example features appealing combination of black dial with vieux panier guilloche and the case in 19k yellow gold, which is one of the most elegant options for Ref. 47101 chronograph. Highly contrast sector-type dial, with applied 6 and 12 Arabic numerals and “stick” indexes, may be perceived as a sign of vintage style from the late 1930s and 1940s, are complemented by the crisp finish of all parts, including a flawless execution of the recessed sub-dials with a mirrored edge and a fine grooved finish, complementing the traditional ‘vieux panier’ guilloche pattern, a typical choice for Vacheron Constantin. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best dials that can be found in modern-vintage chronograph wristwatches.
It is also important to note that the dial of the present example is described as a “Sigma dial”, which means that the inscription “Swiss Made” is located at the lower edge of the dial between two small Greek sigma letters. The latter indicates the use of solid gold hands and appliques.
This watch is equipped with a hand-wound caliber 1140. The movement is finished to a high standard and all parts have been finished by hand, including chamfering, polishing, Côtes de Genève and perlage for the bridges and mainplate. The steel parts of the chronograph mechanism are straight grinded the edges are beveled and polished. The caliber 1140 is a thoroughly reworked Nouvelle Lémania 2310/2320 ebauche, which is only used by leading Swiss brands in chronographs. The appearance of this movement in Vacheron Constantin’s wrist chronographs in 1991 marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of the collection, when the brand was equipped with a high-end movement that enabled both it and the watch made on its basis to be transformed into true masterpieces of fine watchmaking.
As far as we know, this watch belongs to the last years of Ref. 47101, most probably from the years 1995–2000. The watches of this period are characterized by a special modification of the caliber 1140 Type2 with a clearly visible sharp inner angle of the Y-shaped chronograph bridge – in the previous period, the watches were equipped with Type1 movements, in which the inner part of the Y-shaped chronograph bridge was generously rounded.
Specifications
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
