Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1990 Reference No: 43032 Movement No: 99'319 Case No: 626'457 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120/1, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold 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 in 1990, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
With the advent of the quartz crisis, it was up to the "Big Three" of watchmaking to recapture the public's interest in high watchmaking. While Patek Philippe released the reference 3940 and Audemars Piguet the reference 25548BA (which eventually spawned various metal and dial variants), Vacheron Constantin had its own version: The reference reference 43031, or its skeletonized counterpart, the reference 43032, such as the present watch. While the reference 43031 was launched in 1983, the skeletonized version was released a year after. The name Vacheron Constantin is inextricably linked with the creation beautiful skeletonized wristwatches and pocket watches, and it comes as no surprise that the brand integrated this craft in their perpetual calendar model.
The model was in production for almost two decades until its discontinuation in 2002, following the production of several variants in different metals and dial configurations.
Inside, the reference 43032 is powered by the skeletonized and hand engraved caliber 1120 QP. Setting itself apart from its peers, it most notably displays a 48 month cycle on the subsidiary register at 6 o'clock, which conveniently enables the wearer to track which stage of the four-year cycle they're in.
Preserved in excellent condition with crisp engravings throughout, the present watch showcases a correct 90s dial featuring a more centred and slightly larger logo mark and white subsidiary dials.
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.
