When a top brand like Vacheron & Constantin use mineral crystals such as Tigers Eye for the dial you have a winning combination. Model reference 49.0991.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The movement used in this watch was launched in 1955, and actually was the thinnest mechanical watch movement for many years at just 1.64mm tall. In 1972 Vacheron & Constantin lost the ampersand and just became Vacheron Constantin, but this did take a few years to complete. So the movement and the dial on this watch are marked Vacheron & Constantin, but the case just Vacheron Constantin. The import assay mark on the 18k buckle is for 1971, and the import assay mark for the case is for 1973 – the components would have been put together in 1973.
CONDITION
Stone dials are always unique. It is rare to see another vintage Vacheron & Constantin anywhere, but as each dial will be different this watch will not be the same as any other. The horizontal bands of the tigers eye are vivid and happily the watch has white hands, so the distinct dial does not mean the time is not legible. The dial does have two cracks, both starting from about 47 minutes, and only visible in certain lights and angles, but they are there. The video is the best way to see the effect the Tigers Eye has – it is quite special. The other negatives to this watch is the crown is not signed, so is likely to be a replacement, and the G on Geneve is missing the left hand side of the letter. But on the plus side the case and glass are very good, and the buckle is signed AW and is 18k gold – the buckles are nearly always lost over time. The inside of the case is also stamped C&C, which is likely for the high end retailer Camerer & Cuss. The calibre 1003 movement is working well and naturally beautifully finished. The slim movement allows this watch to qualify comfortably as an ultra-thin watch. The Hirsch leather strap is new.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
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 pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 23.9 mm
Width without crown 22.6 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 29.7 mm
Case Thickness 4.4 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
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.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
