{"lien_WSTV":"","tax_name":"deprecated","tax_rate":20,"id_manufacturer":"0","id_supplier":"0","id_category_default":"422","id_shop_default":"1","manufacturer_name":false,"supplier_name":false,"name":"Historiques Ultra-fine 1968","description":"<p><strong>Vacheron Constantin : The ultra-thin heritage<\/strong><br \/><br \/>Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultrathinness. The Geneva-based manufacturer has indeed been closely involved in the epic milestones of this distinctive form of expertise, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when Vacheron Constantin introduced the world\u2019s thinnest wristwatches.<br \/><br \/>Today, Vacheron Constantin is enriching its \u201cHistoriques\u201d collection with two new creations directly inspired by its heritage, each lending a new and distinctively modern touch to one of two legendary calibers. <br \/><br \/><strong>\u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1955\u201d <\/strong><br \/>Currently the world\u2019s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick It is equipped with the mechanical hand-wound 1003 movement, the thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick, rebuilt in 2010 for its 55th anniversary in 18-carat gold, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.<br \/><br \/><strong>\u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1968\u201d <\/strong><br \/>Equipped with the ultra-thin mechanical self-winding 1120 movement featuring a new decorated oscillating weight, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.<br \/><br \/>Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and can legitimately claim to be the world\u2019s oldest watch manufacturer still in activity, with over 250 years of continuous expertise and production behind it. A truly unique status within the watch industry.<br \/><br \/>This proud heritage cultivated over a quarter of a millennium is punctuated with timepieces and movements that have each in their own way left an indelible imprint on their era. This stunning and inestimably valuable patrimony, through which the brand\u2019s history is inextricably bound up with that of the watch industry, eloquently testifies to the brand\u2019s consistent technical and aesthetic creativity.<br \/><br \/>Evolving in step with new inventions, techniques and of course with the tastes of horological enthusiasts, Vacheron Constantin has explored all fields of the watchmaking art, including pocketwatches and wristwatches, as well as ring-watches, pendant-watches, and brooch-watches. Its range encompasses highly complicated models, automatons, sophisticated clocks, as well as an area which is less conspicuous yet requires an incredible wealth of expertise, experience and talent: that of ultra-thin mechanical movements.<br \/><br \/>Extreme slenderness is traditionally not considered as a horological complication, in that it does not itself contribute an additional watch function in the same way as a date or a chronograph. It would nonetheless be entirely legitimate to describe it as such, due to its highly complex nature that often pushes micromechanical boundaries to the limit. Although many try their hand in this field, few are successful.<br \/><br \/>While the first ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin calibers were produced in the 19th century, the manufacturer became most prolific in this speciality during the 20th century, which is generally considered as the ultra-thin \u201cgolden age\u201d. It was indeed in the early 20th century that wristwatches began to gain popularity, and weight and thickness thus became crucial factors in ensuring the wearer comfort of such models.<br \/><br \/><strong>The Vacheron Constantin heritage comprises extraordinary ultra-thin creations and a succession of slimness records.<\/strong><br \/><br \/>Right from the start of the 19th century, the Vacheron Constantin archives (including a letter written by Jacques-Barth\u00e9l\u00e9mi Vacheron to a certain Mr. Girod in Paris, dated May 18th 1812) feature references to thin watches. Another letter dated January 27th 1829 and written by Jacques-Barth\u00e9l\u00e9mi Vacheron to Fran\u00e7ois Constantin also mentions the production of \u201ca few thin pieces\u201d.<br \/><br \/>Vacheron Constantin\u2019s historical records for 1911 also include three 8, 9 and 10-ligne calibers, each measuring 2.82 mm thick. The remainder of the century witnessed an impressive number of ultra-thin calibers, representing impressive horological feats and becoming ever slimmer over the years: 2.25 mm in 1917, 1.88 in 1924. Some were used to create such extraordinary models as a rock crystal watch presented in 1926 and equipped with a 2.63 mm red gold movement (visual available).<br \/><br \/>In 1931, Vacheron Constantin set a new world pocket-watch record with a mechanical movement measuring 17 lignes 5\/12 in diameter and less than 1 mm thick \u2013 exactly 0.94 mm to be precise (visual available)!<br \/><br \/>Ultra-thin movements continued to inspire the Geneva-based manufacturer, leading it in 1981 to present the \u201cStructura\u201d collection, which set a highly original stage for one of these movements by reversing it and fitting the hands on the bridge side, thereby enabling connoisseurs to admire the full complexity of its structure.<br \/><br \/>In 1992, Vacheron Constantin confirmed that its expertise in the field of extreme slenderness also extends to Grand Complication movements by presenting the thinnest minute-repeater wristwatch movement to date, measuring 3.28 mm and earning the Geneva-based manufacturer another record (visual available).<br \/><br \/><strong>The world\u2019s thinnest mechanical movements are developed in Vacheron Constantin\u2019s historical L\u2019Ile premises.<\/strong><br \/><br \/>Within this impressive legacy, one particular hand-wound movement continues to attract the attention of specialists and collectors. Work on its development began in 1952 in L\u2019Ile (the building on the Rhone River \u2018island\u2019 that has housed Vacheron Constantin\u2019s histo-rical premises since 1875) and it was presented for the brand bicentenary celebrations in 1955 under the name Caliber 1003 considered as the most beautiful at this time. Its 9-lignes or 20.80 mm diameter and 1.64 mm thickness have made i t the world\u2019s smallest mechanical manual-winding movement on the market. By way of comparison, this micromechanical masterpiece composed of 117 parts is about the size of a small Swiss 20-centime coin.<br \/><br \/>This now legendary caliber (of which the excellence was to be confirmed by the subsequent orders placed by other great names in fine watchmaking) was used to equip three round watches that set a new record as the world\u2019s thinnest watches measuring just 4.54 mm thick. These three timepieces have forever imprinted on people\u2019s minds the image of the archetypal Vacheron Constantin watch: round, classic, ultra-thin and extremely reliable.<br \/><br \/>In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to pay tribute to this legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of one of those three watches: the \u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1955\u201d, currently the world\u2019s thinnest hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date.<br \/><br \/>The development of Caliber 1120 began in 1966 and production began at the end of 1967. It too attracted the notice of specialists and collectors and was ordered by other great names in fine watchmaking. In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has also chosen to pay tribute to this equally legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of the vintage ultra-thin watches: the model now called \u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1968\u201d.<br \/><br \/>These two timepieces will find their natural place within the \u201cHistoriques\u201d collection, specifically created to bring back to life the various designs and movements that have shaped the finest hours of Vacheron Constantin.<br \/><br \/>A collection composed of watches intended for watchmaking collectors, connoisseurs and devotees, for those with a taste for discreet and elegant models, as well as purists. It features models such as the Chronom\u00e8tre Royal 1907 presented in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of the original, and the amazingly daring Historique American 1921 model reinterpreted in 2008 and which was named \u201cWatch of the Year\u201d in October 2009 in Geneva.<br \/><br \/><strong>Historiques\u201d collection - The \u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1968\u201d watch and Calibre 1120<\/strong><br \/><br \/>Vacheron Constantin has chosen to make 2010 a tribute year to its ultra-thin timepieces by reissuing, again within its \u201cHistoriques\u201d collection, a square-shaped model dating from 1968 and equipped with the famous ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120.<br \/><br \/>In revisiting this watch, the manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 18-carat 4N rose gold timepiece creates a striking contrast between the strict square dial opening and the slightly curving case flanks. The resulting design exudes an impression of elegant understatement, further accentuated by a vertical-brushed silver-coloured dial adorned with simple and geometrical hour-markers. The pared-down lugs lend a pleasingly strict touch to the overall effect, while the sapphire crystal that is bevelled all around further underscores the ties between this watch and the non-conformist period when it was first launched. Everything about the design echoes the legendary Swinging Sixties through an original model that has in time become a great classic.<br \/><br \/>Compared with the original 1968 watch (reference 7614), the watch now presented features updated technical characteristics in tune with modern times: water resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to around 30 meters; a sapphire crystal, and a clipped-down solid case-back exactly like the original model. Despite such improvements, which generally tend to increase bulk, this watch measuring 35.2 mm along its sides is even thinner than its historical predecessor: 5.50 mm compared with 6.52 mm, making it one of the thinnest watches in its category.<br \/><br \/>Like the 1968 model, the contemporary version is equipped with the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120. This exceptional movement driving hour and minute hands has powered some of the most prestigious ultra-thin self-winding watches in horological history.<br \/><br \/>Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a sophisticated construction that called for some unusual technical solutions. For this re-edition, the manufacture Vacheron Constantin has rebuilt the caliber: although its dimensions \u2013 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick \u2013 remain unchanged, it is now equipped with an 18-carat gold oscillating weight bearing the Maltese Cross system. It offers an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva , its exceptional finishing features C\u00f4tes de Gen\u00e8ve, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.<br \/><br \/>By way of conclusion, in 2010 Vacheron Constantin has chosen to re-issue two ultra-thin watches that have made their mark on its history, duly christened \u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1955\u201d and \u201cHistorique Ultra-fine 1968\u201d. By choosing to equip them with the same legendary vintage calibers \u2013 the 1003 and 1120 rebuilt for the occasion and now bearing the independent and sovereign Hallmark of Geneva certification \u2013 the manufacture is showcasing its peerless creativity in the field of exceptional classic watches. And in the process, it is also demonstrating its complete mastery of extreme slenderness by treating it as a full-fledged complication in its own right.<\/p>","description_short":"","quantity":0,"minimal_quantity":"1","available_now":"","available_later":"","price":32500,"specificPrice":false,"additional_shipping_cost":"0.00","wholesale_price":"0.000000","on_sale":"0","online_only":"0","unity":"","unit_price":0,"unit_price_ratio":"0.000000","ecotax":"0.000000","reference":"43043\/000R-9592","supplier_reference":"X43R0366","location":"","width":"0.000000","height":"0.000000","depth":"0.000000","weight":"0.000000","ean13":"","upc":"","link_rewrite":"historiques-ultra-fine-1968","meta_description":"Vacheron Constantin : The ultra-thin heritageVacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultrathinness. The Ge...","meta_keywords":"","meta_title":"Watch Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-fine 1968 | Historiques 43043\/000R-9592 4N Pink Gold","quantity_discount":"0","customizable":"0","new":false,"uploadable_files":"0","text_fields":"0","active":"1","redirect_type":"404","id_product_redirected":"0","available_for_order":"0","available_date":"0000-00-00","condition":"new","show_price":"1","indexed":"1","visibility":"both","date_add":"2015-08-04 01:05:46","date_upd":"2016-01-06 17:41:43","tags":false,"base_price":"32500.000000","id_tax_rules_group":"1","id_color_default":0,"advanced_stock_management":"0","out_of_stock":0,"depends_on_stock":false,"isFullyLoaded":true,"cache_is_pack":"0","cache_has_attachments":"1","is_virtual":"0","id_pack_product_attribute":null,"cache_default_attribute":"0","category":"historiques","pack_stock_type":"3","id":864,"id_shop_list":null,"force_id":false,"customization_required":false}
{"Compl\u00e9ment":"4N Pink Gold","Statut de vente":"En vente depuis","Date":"2010","Pi\u00e8ce unique":"No","S\u00e9rie limit\u00e9e":"No","Sexe":"Unisexe","Gaucher":"No","Hauteur":"35.2","Largeur":"35.2","Epaisseur":"5.5","Types":"Self-winding","Styles":"Evening","Calibre_autre":"Vacheron Constantin 1120","Calibre distinction":"Hallmark of Geneva, Extra-thin","Affichage":"Hands","Mati\u00e8re du bo\u00eetier":"Pink gold","Particularit\u00e9 du boitier":"Extra-thin","Etanch\u00e9it\u00e9":"30 meters","Forme":"Square","Cadran":"Silver","Index":"Baton-type","Mati\u00e8re du bracelet":"Alligator leather","Fermeture du bracelet":"Pin buckle","Couleur du bracelet":"Black","Plus de caract\u00e9ristiques":"Movement<br \/>Thickness : 2.45 mm<br \/>Diameter : 28 mm<br \/>36 jewels<br \/>Frequency : <br \/>19 800 vibrations per hour<br \/>Power reserve: 40 hours<br \/><br \/>Case and buckle in 18 carat 4N pink gold<br \/>Dial with 18 carat black finished indexes and mirror-polished Maltese Cross<br \/>Clasp with polished half Maltese Cross"}
Historiques Ultra-fine 1968
43043/000R-9592
| Brand : | Vacheron Constantin |
| Collection : | Historiques |
| Model : | Historiques Ultra-fine 1968 |
| Reference : | 43043/000R-9592 |
| Complement : | 4N Pink Gold |
| On sale : | 2010 |
PDF INDEX CARD
-
Brand : Vacheron Constantin Collection : Historiques Model : Historiques Ultra-fine 1968 Reference : 43043/000R-9592 Complement : 4N Pink Gold On sale : 2010 List Price : 39 000 € Height : 35.2 mm Width : 35.2 mm Thickness : 5.5 mm Styles : Evening Types : Self-winding Calibre : Vacheron Constantin 1120 Calibre distinction : Hallmark of Geneva Extra-thin Case material : Pink gold Case peculiarity : Extra-thin Shape : Square Water-resistance : 30 meters Dial : Silver Display : Hands Indexes : Baton-type Strap material : Alligator leather Strap color : Black Strap clasp : Pin buckle + More characteristics : Movement
Thickness : 2.45 mm
Diameter : 28 mm
36 jewels
Frequency :
19 800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case and buckle in 18 carat 4N pink gold
Dial with 18 carat black finished indexes and mirror-polished Maltese Cross
Clasp with polished half Maltese Cross
DESCRIPTION
Vacheron Constantin : The ultra-thin heritage
Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultrathinness. The Geneva-based manufacturer has indeed been closely involved in the epic milestones of this distinctive form of expertise, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when Vacheron Constantin introduced the world’s thinnest wristwatches.
Today, Vacheron Constantin is enriching its “Historiques” collection with two new creations directly inspired by its heritage, each lending a new and distinctively modern touch to one of two legendary calibers.
“Historique Ultra-fine 1955”
Currently the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick It is equipped with the mechanical hand-wound 1003 movement, the thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick, rebuilt in 2010 for its 55th anniversary in 18-carat gold, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.
“Historique Ultra-fine 1968”
Equipped with the ultra-thin mechanical self-winding 1120 movement featuring a new decorated oscillating weight, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.
Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and can legitimately claim to be the world’s oldest watch manufacturer still in activity, with over 250 years of continuous expertise and production behind it. A truly unique status within the watch industry.
This proud heritage cultivated over a quarter of a millennium is punctuated with timepieces and movements that have each in their own way left an indelible imprint on their era. This stunning and inestimably valuable patrimony, through which the brand’s history is inextricably bound up with that of the watch industry, eloquently testifies to the brand’s consistent technical and aesthetic creativity.
Evolving in step with new inventions, techniques and of course with the tastes of horological enthusiasts, Vacheron Constantin has explored all fields of the watchmaking art, including pocketwatches and wristwatches, as well as ring-watches, pendant-watches, and brooch-watches. Its range encompasses highly complicated models, automatons, sophisticated clocks, as well as an area which is less conspicuous yet requires an incredible wealth of expertise, experience and talent: that of ultra-thin mechanical movements.
Extreme slenderness is traditionally not considered as a horological complication, in that it does not itself contribute an additional watch function in the same way as a date or a chronograph. It would nonetheless be entirely legitimate to describe it as such, due to its highly complex nature that often pushes micromechanical boundaries to the limit. Although many try their hand in this field, few are successful.
While the first ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin calibers were produced in the 19th century, the manufacturer became most prolific in this speciality during the 20th century, which is generally considered as the ultra-thin “golden age”. It was indeed in the early 20th century that wristwatches began to gain popularity, and weight and thickness thus became crucial factors in ensuring the wearer comfort of such models.
The Vacheron Constantin heritage comprises extraordinary ultra-thin creations and a succession of slimness records.
Right from the start of the 19th century, the Vacheron Constantin archives (including a letter written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to a certain Mr. Girod in Paris, dated May 18th 1812) feature references to thin watches. Another letter dated January 27th 1829 and written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to François Constantin also mentions the production of “a few thin pieces”.
Vacheron Constantin’s historical records for 1911 also include three 8, 9 and 10-ligne calibers, each measuring 2.82 mm thick. The remainder of the century witnessed an impressive number of ultra-thin calibers, representing impressive horological feats and becoming ever slimmer over the years: 2.25 mm in 1917, 1.88 in 1924. Some were used to create such extraordinary models as a rock crystal watch presented in 1926 and equipped with a 2.63 mm red gold movement (visual available).
In 1931, Vacheron Constantin set a new world pocket-watch record with a mechanical movement measuring 17 lignes 5/12 in diameter and less than 1 mm thick – exactly 0.94 mm to be precise (visual available)!
Ultra-thin movements continued to inspire the Geneva-based manufacturer, leading it in 1981 to present the “Structura” collection, which set a highly original stage for one of these movements by reversing it and fitting the hands on the bridge side, thereby enabling connoisseurs to admire the full complexity of its structure.
In 1992, Vacheron Constantin confirmed that its expertise in the field of extreme slenderness also extends to Grand Complication movements by presenting the thinnest minute-repeater wristwatch movement to date, measuring 3.28 mm and earning the Geneva-based manufacturer another record (visual available).
The world’s thinnest mechanical movements are developed in Vacheron Constantin’s historical L’Ile premises.
Within this impressive legacy, one particular hand-wound movement continues to attract the attention of specialists and collectors. Work on its development began in 1952 in L’Ile (the building on the Rhone River ‘island’ that has housed Vacheron Constantin’s histo-rical premises since 1875) and it was presented for the brand bicentenary celebrations in 1955 under the name Caliber 1003 considered as the most beautiful at this time. Its 9-lignes or 20.80 mm diameter and 1.64 mm thickness have made i t the world’s smallest mechanical manual-winding movement on the market. By way of comparison, this micromechanical masterpiece composed of 117 parts is about the size of a small Swiss 20-centime coin.
This now legendary caliber (of which the excellence was to be confirmed by the subsequent orders placed by other great names in fine watchmaking) was used to equip three round watches that set a new record as the world’s thinnest watches measuring just 4.54 mm thick. These three timepieces have forever imprinted on people’s minds the image of the archetypal Vacheron Constantin watch: round, classic, ultra-thin and extremely reliable.
In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to pay tribute to this legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of one of those three watches: the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”, currently the world’s thinnest hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date.
The development of Caliber 1120 began in 1966 and production began at the end of 1967. It too attracted the notice of specialists and collectors and was ordered by other great names in fine watchmaking. In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has also chosen to pay tribute to this equally legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of the vintage ultra-thin watches: the model now called “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”.
These two timepieces will find their natural place within the “Historiques” collection, specifically created to bring back to life the various designs and movements that have shaped the finest hours of Vacheron Constantin.
A collection composed of watches intended for watchmaking collectors, connoisseurs and devotees, for those with a taste for discreet and elegant models, as well as purists. It features models such as the Chronomètre Royal 1907 presented in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of the original, and the amazingly daring Historique American 1921 model reinterpreted in 2008 and which was named “Watch of the Year” in October 2009 in Geneva.
Historiques” collection - The “Historique Ultra-fine 1968” watch and Calibre 1120
Vacheron Constantin has chosen to make 2010 a tribute year to its ultra-thin timepieces by reissuing, again within its “Historiques” collection, a square-shaped model dating from 1968 and equipped with the famous ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120.
In revisiting this watch, the manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 18-carat 4N rose gold timepiece creates a striking contrast between the strict square dial opening and the slightly curving case flanks. The resulting design exudes an impression of elegant understatement, further accentuated by a vertical-brushed silver-coloured dial adorned with simple and geometrical hour-markers. The pared-down lugs lend a pleasingly strict touch to the overall effect, while the sapphire crystal that is bevelled all around further underscores the ties between this watch and the non-conformist period when it was first launched. Everything about the design echoes the legendary Swinging Sixties through an original model that has in time become a great classic.
Compared with the original 1968 watch (reference 7614), the watch now presented features updated technical characteristics in tune with modern times: water resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to around 30 meters; a sapphire crystal, and a clipped-down solid case-back exactly like the original model. Despite such improvements, which generally tend to increase bulk, this watch measuring 35.2 mm along its sides is even thinner than its historical predecessor: 5.50 mm compared with 6.52 mm, making it one of the thinnest watches in its category.
Like the 1968 model, the contemporary version is equipped with the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120. This exceptional movement driving hour and minute hands has powered some of the most prestigious ultra-thin self-winding watches in horological history.
Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a sophisticated construction that called for some unusual technical solutions. For this re-edition, the manufacture Vacheron Constantin has rebuilt the caliber: although its dimensions – 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick – remain unchanged, it is now equipped with an 18-carat gold oscillating weight bearing the Maltese Cross system. It offers an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva , its exceptional finishing features Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.
By way of conclusion, in 2010 Vacheron Constantin has chosen to re-issue two ultra-thin watches that have made their mark on its history, duly christened “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” and “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”. By choosing to equip them with the same legendary vintage calibers – the 1003 and 1120 rebuilt for the occasion and now bearing the independent and sovereign Hallmark of Geneva certification – the manufacture is showcasing its peerless creativity in the field of exceptional classic watches. And in the process, it is also demonstrating its complete mastery of extreme slenderness by treating it as a full-fledged complication in its own right.
Vacheron Constantin : The ultra-thin heritage
Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultrathinness. The Geneva-based manufacturer has indeed been closely involved in the epic milestones of this distinctive form of expertise, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when Vacheron Constantin introduced the world’s thinnest wristwatches.
Today, Vacheron Constantin is enriching its “Historiques” collection with two new creations directly inspired by its heritage, each lending a new and distinctively modern touch to one of two legendary calibers.
“Historique Ultra-fine 1955”
Currently the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick It is equipped with the mechanical hand-wound 1003 movement, the thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick, rebuilt in 2010 for its 55th anniversary in 18-carat gold, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.
“Historique Ultra-fine 1968”
Equipped with the ultra-thin mechanical self-winding 1120 movement featuring a new decorated oscillating weight, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.
Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and can legitimately claim to be the world’s oldest watch manufacturer still in activity, with over 250 years of continuous expertise and production behind it. A truly unique status within the watch industry.
This proud heritage cultivated over a quarter of a millennium is punctuated with timepieces and movements that have each in their own way left an indelible imprint on their era. This stunning and inestimably valuable patrimony, through which the brand’s history is inextricably bound up with that of the watch industry, eloquently testifies to the brand’s consistent technical and aesthetic creativity.
Evolving in step with new inventions, techniques and of course with the tastes of horological enthusiasts, Vacheron Constantin has explored all fields of the watchmaking art, including pocketwatches and wristwatches, as well as ring-watches, pendant-watches, and brooch-watches. Its range encompasses highly complicated models, automatons, sophisticated clocks, as well as an area which is less conspicuous yet requires an incredible wealth of expertise, experience and talent: that of ultra-thin mechanical movements.
Extreme slenderness is traditionally not considered as a horological complication, in that it does not itself contribute an additional watch function in the same way as a date or a chronograph. It would nonetheless be entirely legitimate to describe it as such, due to its highly complex nature that often pushes micromechanical boundaries to the limit. Although many try their hand in this field, few are successful.
While the first ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin calibers were produced in the 19th century, the manufacturer became most prolific in this speciality during the 20th century, which is generally considered as the ultra-thin “golden age”. It was indeed in the early 20th century that wristwatches began to gain popularity, and weight and thickness thus became crucial factors in ensuring the wearer comfort of such models.
The Vacheron Constantin heritage comprises extraordinary ultra-thin creations and a succession of slimness records.
Right from the start of the 19th century, the Vacheron Constantin archives (including a letter written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to a certain Mr. Girod in Paris, dated May 18th 1812) feature references to thin watches. Another letter dated January 27th 1829 and written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to François Constantin also mentions the production of “a few thin pieces”.
Vacheron Constantin’s historical records for 1911 also include three 8, 9 and 10-ligne calibers, each measuring 2.82 mm thick. The remainder of the century witnessed an impressive number of ultra-thin calibers, representing impressive horological feats and becoming ever slimmer over the years: 2.25 mm in 1917, 1.88 in 1924. Some were used to create such extraordinary models as a rock crystal watch presented in 1926 and equipped with a 2.63 mm red gold movement (visual available).
In 1931, Vacheron Constantin set a new world pocket-watch record with a mechanical movement measuring 17 lignes 5/12 in diameter and less than 1 mm thick – exactly 0.94 mm to be precise (visual available)!
Ultra-thin movements continued to inspire the Geneva-based manufacturer, leading it in 1981 to present the “Structura” collection, which set a highly original stage for one of these movements by reversing it and fitting the hands on the bridge side, thereby enabling connoisseurs to admire the full complexity of its structure.
In 1992, Vacheron Constantin confirmed that its expertise in the field of extreme slenderness also extends to Grand Complication movements by presenting the thinnest minute-repeater wristwatch movement to date, measuring 3.28 mm and earning the Geneva-based manufacturer another record (visual available).
The world’s thinnest mechanical movements are developed in Vacheron Constantin’s historical L’Ile premises.
Within this impressive legacy, one particular hand-wound movement continues to attract the attention of specialists and collectors. Work on its development began in 1952 in L’Ile (the building on the Rhone River ‘island’ that has housed Vacheron Constantin’s histo-rical premises since 1875) and it was presented for the brand bicentenary celebrations in 1955 under the name Caliber 1003 considered as the most beautiful at this time. Its 9-lignes or 20.80 mm diameter and 1.64 mm thickness have made i t the world’s smallest mechanical manual-winding movement on the market. By way of comparison, this micromechanical masterpiece composed of 117 parts is about the size of a small Swiss 20-centime coin.
This now legendary caliber (of which the excellence was to be confirmed by the subsequent orders placed by other great names in fine watchmaking) was used to equip three round watches that set a new record as the world’s thinnest watches measuring just 4.54 mm thick. These three timepieces have forever imprinted on people’s minds the image of the archetypal Vacheron Constantin watch: round, classic, ultra-thin and extremely reliable.
In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to pay tribute to this legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of one of those three watches: the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”, currently the world’s thinnest hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date.
The development of Caliber 1120 began in 1966 and production began at the end of 1967. It too attracted the notice of specialists and collectors and was ordered by other great names in fine watchmaking. In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has also chosen to pay tribute to this equally legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of the vintage ultra-thin watches: the model now called “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”.
These two timepieces will find their natural place within the “Historiques” collection, specifically created to bring back to life the various designs and movements that have shaped the finest hours of Vacheron Constantin.
A collection composed of watches intended for watchmaking collectors, connoisseurs and devotees, for those with a taste for discreet and elegant models, as well as purists. It features models such as the Chronomètre Royal 1907 presented in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of the original, and the amazingly daring Historique American 1921 model reinterpreted in 2008 and which was named “Watch of the Year” in October 2009 in Geneva.
Historiques” collection - The “Historique Ultra-fine 1968” watch and Calibre 1120
Vacheron Constantin has chosen to make 2010 a tribute year to its ultra-thin timepieces by reissuing, again within its “Historiques” collection, a square-shaped model dating from 1968 and equipped with the famous ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120.
In revisiting this watch, the manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 18-carat 4N rose gold timepiece creates a striking contrast between the strict square dial opening and the slightly curving case flanks. The resulting design exudes an impression of elegant understatement, further accentuated by a vertical-brushed silver-coloured dial adorned with simple and geometrical hour-markers. The pared-down lugs lend a pleasingly strict touch to the overall effect, while the sapphire crystal that is bevelled all around further underscores the ties between this watch and the non-conformist period when it was first launched. Everything about the design echoes the legendary Swinging Sixties through an original model that has in time become a great classic.
Compared with the original 1968 watch (reference 7614), the watch now presented features updated technical characteristics in tune with modern times: water resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to around 30 meters; a sapphire crystal, and a clipped-down solid case-back exactly like the original model. Despite such improvements, which generally tend to increase bulk, this watch measuring 35.2 mm along its sides is even thinner than its historical predecessor: 5.50 mm compared with 6.52 mm, making it one of the thinnest watches in its category.
Like the 1968 model, the contemporary version is equipped with the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120. This exceptional movement driving hour and minute hands has powered some of the most prestigious ultra-thin self-winding watches in horological history.
Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a sophisticated construction that called for some unusual technical solutions. For this re-edition, the manufacture Vacheron Constantin has rebuilt the caliber: although its dimensions – 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick – remain unchanged, it is now equipped with an 18-carat gold oscillating weight bearing the Maltese Cross system. It offers an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva , its exceptional finishing features Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.
By way of conclusion, in 2010 Vacheron Constantin has chosen to re-issue two ultra-thin watches that have made their mark on its history, duly christened “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” and “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”. By choosing to equip them with the same legendary vintage calibers – the 1003 and 1120 rebuilt for the occasion and now bearing the independent and sovereign Hallmark of Geneva certification – the manufacture is showcasing its peerless creativity in the field of exceptional classic watches. And in the process, it is also demonstrating its complete mastery of extreme slenderness by treating it as a full-fledged complication in its own right.
-
Brand : Vacheron Constantin Collection : Historiques Model : Historiques Ultra-fine 1968 Reference : 43043/000R-9592 Complement : 4N Pink Gold On sale : 2010 List Price : 39 000 € Height : 35.2 mm Width : 35.2 mm Thickness : 5.5 mm Styles : Evening Types : Self-winding Calibre : Vacheron Constantin 1120 Calibre distinction : Hallmark of Geneva Extra-thin Case material : Pink gold Case peculiarity : Extra-thin Shape : Square Water-resistance : 30 meters Dial : Silver Display : Hands Indexes : Baton-type Strap material : Alligator leather Strap color : Black Strap clasp : Pin buckle More characteristics : Movement
Thickness : 2.45 mm
Diameter : 28 mm
36 jewels
Frequency :
19 800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case and buckle in 18 carat 4N pink gold
Dial with 18 carat black finished indexes and mirror-polished Maltese Cross
Clasp with polished half Maltese Cross