Vacheron Constantin Ref.4863 Platinum 1956

Vacheron & Constantin

One of the recognised ‘Holy Trinity’ of Swiss watchmaking along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron & Constantin is also the world’s oldest ‘Watch Manufacture’, 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 taken so far, it is considered an art. This is known as ‘Haute Horlogerie’ in 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 and Vacheron & Constantin was the first watchmaker to be allowed to use this hallmark of excellence on its movements. This, along with its extraordinarily high standards of quality and manufacture, lead many watchmakers, horologists and watch industry experts to believe Vacheron & Constantin reigns supreme among the finest quality watch manufacturers of the world.

To the collector, Vacheron & Constantin offers a level of exclusivity which even the more famous Patek Philippe cannot. During the 1940s and through to 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, colours and designs, each one was strictly limited in number. For the collector, the fact that these watches are seriously undervalued doesn’t go unnoticed either.

Description

This beautiful Vacheron & Constantin is simply the epitome of style and class. The perfect, understated dress watch which nevertheless is of the very highest quality in every regard. The watch dial, while conservative, is completely original, unrestored and untouched, which elevates this watch to something truly special. This wonderful watch has a rare square platinum case, along with a truly highly regarded Calibre 1003 movement and a beautiful, fully original silver dial. All of these aspects amount to a simply beautiful watch on the wrist.

The Dial

In addition to its very fine movements, Vacheron & Constantin is widely renowned for the quality and elegance of its watch dials. Here we have a fine, completely original, unrestored and untouched silver dial with wonderful ‘baton’ hour indices which are doubled at 12 and swept by unrestored, matching ‘index’ hands. This dial may seem simple, but is beautiful nonetheless.

This dial is very simply signed with ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Geneve’ at the top, below 12.

This dial is original and unrestored and 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. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing 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 Calibre 1003 was originally conceived by Jaeger-LeCoultre as the Calibre 803, upon request from Audemars Piguet and Vacheron & Constantin. No one else, not even Jaeger-LeCoultre, has ever used this movement. Vacheron & Constantin named this its Calibre 1003 and Audemars Piguet its Calibre 2003. First introduced by Vacheron & Constantin in 1955 and still produced to this day, this remains the world’s thinnest traditionally constructed watch movement ever produced to date at 1.64mm high and 20.80mm in diameter. The 1003 is chronometer quality and requires no shock-proofing, due to its lightness. It really is one of a handful of horological accomplishments of all time. Most people do not realise that a true ‘ultra-thin’ such as this, is more difficult to produce and therefore more expensive and exclusive than most other highly complicated watches. Indeed an ultra-thin movement is considered by watchmakers as a ‘complication’. Vacheron models containing the cal.1003 today sell for over £20,000, so going vintage offers a real bargain.

This incredible Calibre 1003 you see here, measures just 4mm. This is remarkably thin, yet runs perfectly.

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 +9 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. The movement also has a power reserve of 30 hours when fully wound.

With care and regular servicing, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months’ written warranty*.

The movement is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’, ‘Geneve Swiss’ and ’17 Jewels’ with the Calibre number 1003 and the movement serial number 535363. The movement serial number dates this watch to 1956.

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

The Watch Case

Vacheron & Constantin has been, from its very early beginnings, the torchbearer of Haute Horlogerie. This is reflected not only in its movements, but also in its watch cases.

This remarkable platinum watch case is perfectly sized and of very high quality. It measures 24mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown which may seem like a small watch, but in fact, when measured across the diagonal, including the lugs, it measures 36mm. The watch case is in tip-top condition and even the case-back looks pristine.

The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition.

Inside, the case-back all is as expected and correctly signed, ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Swiss’ with the classic Maltese Cross and Platinum hallmarks, “PT 0.950″. It also carries the  model reference 4863 and the case serial number 362329. Importantly, the heavy case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a Vacheron & Constantin signed buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

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 1956.

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 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”.

This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box included.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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.

In Conclusion

One of the horological accomplishments of all time, this wonderful, iconic and collectable dress watch is also from horology’s oldest and most respected name. This will not only make an excellent dress watch, but also provide an excellent investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!