In 1955 Vacheron Constantin celebrated their bicentennial anniversary by launching the ultrathin calibre 1003. At 1.64mm, this movement held the record for over 60 years as the thinnest conventional mechanical movement. It is this prized movement that sits inside this watch.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
We have paid for an extract from the archives for this watch. As well as the money, you have to send photos of the front, back and inside of the watch. The certificate from Vacheron Constantin says this watch was made in 1961.
CONDITION
Vacheron Constantin are consistently pitched as one of the big three, alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. However, this is half the price, or less, that a Patek Philippe. The 18 jewel manually wound movement is running – not that you can see it as it is cased in the slender 18k yellow gold case. Adjusted to five positions, and heat and cold, it is the pinnacle of watchmaking. It is thinner than a penny, yet every part is highly finished. Considering this was all designed without the use of calculator or computer, it is engineering excellence.
This watch, model 6123, has an 18k yellow gold case and is only 5.5 mm thick in total, meaning this watch will slip under the finest of shirt cuffs. The case has a small scratch beneath 6, and the acrylic glass has a scuff on the left hand side. The dial is clean and is original and has not been repainted. The leather box is from the right period but we have paired the two together, so it may be from a different model.
The rules for a dress watch (rules should always be ignored but hey!) are quality, thin and just two hands. Anything else is not required. This watch could define those rules.
This watch will be supplied with a Vacheron Constantin leather presentation box, the Extract from the Archives and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any images, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and may not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 25.7 mm
Width without crown 25.7 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 31.2 mm
Case Thickness 5.5 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 6 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries via DHL Worldwide, which we subsidise. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information.
