Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1993 Reference No: 47101 Movement No: 832'236 Case No: 642'891 Model Name: "Chronographe Historique" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1140CHR, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Vacheron Constantin pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1993, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1989, the Vacheron Constantin ref. 47101 pays its rightful tribute to the archives of the firm. The inspiration for the piece comes from the timeless design of Vacheron Constantin’s famed chronograph ref. 4178 from the 1940’s, deemed by collectors as one of the most beautifully refined chronographs of all times. Iterated with a similar case - defined by the iconic fancy lugs - the correlation between the vintage and the modern is immediate.
The present example fully manages to convey the "1940s feeling" also thanks to its extremely subtle opaline silver dial with two subsidiary dials and outer tachymetre scale, one of the most archetypal designs from the mid-20th century. The present wristwatch epitomizes the intricate craft of traditional watchmaking crystalized in this extremely suave modern chronograph with vintage DNA.
The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.
