This ultrathin Vacheron & Constantin dress watch would have been one of the last made before the name change. Model reference 7243P
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Having sent photos of the watch and the serial number to Vacheron Constantin they confirmed that this watch was made in 1972. The 18k gold hallmarks are Swiss, and therefore can not be dated.
CONDITION
In 1970 Vacheron & Constantin took the decision to drop the & (or Et) from their name to simplify things. As this watch has the older name on the dial it shows that the change took some time to filter down the production line. Watchmaking at this uppermost level is not a just-in-time efficiency driven business, but more it will be ready when we are happy with it. Inside this watch is the calibre 1003, a movement that is significant as it was the worlds thinnest watch movement for many years. They are still using a version today, as trying to beat the 1.64mm thickness is a very tough ask. The movement is keeping good time, but the case is unpolished and the glass has a few light scratches, hence the low price. This does mean that someone who is looking for an evening watch can pick up a bargain that will either perfectly fulfill their needs, or they could do a light cosmetic restoration. By using this movement they manage to keep the case depth down to under 5mm, the widely accepted maximum for an ultrathin watch. This thinness is matched by a smaller case diameter, very much in proportion and ideal for a subtle dress watch. Their new Ultrathin watch is £27,800 , so this is exceptional value. The black dial is very good, and the white hands provide the strongest contrast making the watch easy to read. The quality leather strap is new.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 31.9 mm
Width without crown 30.8 mm
Between lugs 16 mm
Lug to lug length 34.9 mm
Case Thickness 4.7 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
