Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultra-thinness. The brand 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 calibres.
“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 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 Hallmark of Geneva
***
“Historiques” collection
Calibre 1003 for the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” watch
For Vacheron Constantin, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the birth of the ultra-thin Calibre 1003 provides an opportunity to revisit its heritage.
Considered to be one of the most beautiful and refined ultra-thin movements on the market, Calibre 1003 has been defying mechanical laws for over 50 years. It is extremely complex to produce and its adjustment calls upon the full measure of expertise cultivated by a fine watch manufacturer.
The decoration is extremely meticulous: Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering, and drawing the steel parts with a file are all performed by hand. This exceptional degree of finishing earns the new version of Calibre 1003 the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, an independent and sovereign certification awarded by the State of Geneva which thereby guarantees the origin, precision, durability and fine craftsmanship of models from a handful of Geneva-based watch companies.
For its 2010 re-edition, Calibre 1003 is presented in a round watch in 4N 18-carat pink gold measuring 36 mm in diameter, inspired by one of the three historical models introduced in 1955, reference 6099. The latter has been selected because of a design that already embodied a decidedly modern touch at the time of its launch.
Reference
Historique Ultra-fine 1955
33155/000R-9588
The World’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch
measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date
Movement
1003
Rebuilt in 18-carat gold for its 55th anniversary in 2010
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Mechanical, manual-winding
The thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick
Thickness of movement
1.64 mm
Diameter of movement
20.80 mm
Jewels
18 jewels
Frequency
18'000 vibrations/hour
Indications
Hours, minutes
Power reserve
More than 30 hours
Case
18 carat 4N rose gold
Diameter: 36.00 mm. Thickness: 4.1 mm
Water resistance
3 bar, equivalent to 30 meters
Dial 18 carat gold, silvered opaline
Mirror-polished Maltese Cross and indexes
Strap
Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished
Square-shape scales alligator leather.
Clasp
Buckle in 18 carat 4N rose gold, polished half Maltese Cross
“ 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 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.
Compared to 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.
Vacheron Constantin has chosen in 2010 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”.
Reference
Historique Ultra-fine 1968
43043/000R-9592
Movement
1120, Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Energy Mechanical, self-winding
Height of movement
2.45 mm
Diameter of movement
28.00 mm
Jewels
36 jewels
Frequency
19'800 vibrations/hour
Indications
Hours, minutes
Power reserve
More than 40 hours
Case
18 carat 4N rose gold
Square-shaped 35.2 x 35.2 mm, thickness: 5.5 mm
Water resistance
3 bar, equivalent to 30 meters
Dial
Silvered, 18 carat black finished indexes
Mirror-polished Maltese Cross
Strap
Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished
Square-shape scales alligator leather.
Clasp
Buckle in 18 carat 4N rose gold
Polished half Maltese Cross
[Vacheron Constantin Press Release]
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