Vacheron Constantin - 43043/000R-9592

Historiques Ultra-Fine 1968

Case

Dial

Description

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 Calibre 1120.

In revisiting this watch, the Manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 4N 18-carat 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 metres; 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: 5.5 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 Calibre 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 calibre: although its dimensions C 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick C 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?tes de Geneve, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.

Movement

Developed and crafted in harmony with Geneva's most rigorous Fine Watchmaking traditions, caliber 1120 beats at a frequency of 2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations/hour) and is endowed with an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Both its finishing and its construction testify to a wealth of fine workmanship. Not only are the smooth surfaces of the movement adorned with a meticulously executed ?C?tes de Geneve? motif, but all their sharp angles are chamfered and then hand-polished. Such is also the case with the screw heads.

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