Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1973 Reference No: 1161P Movement No: 647'401 Case No: 475'251 Material: 18k white gold, diamond-set and lapis lazuli Calibre: Manual, cal. 1430, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Integrated 18k white gold Vacheron Constantin textured bracelet, max. length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Vacheron Constantin clasp Dimensions: 32.5mm wide, 25.3mm long Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1973.
Catalogue Essay
Distinguished by its lapis lazuli dial, diamond-set bezel and highly attractive and unusual bracelet, the present wristwatch is an extremely well preserved example of watchmaking from the '70s. It is powered by the calibre 1430. Developed in 1969, it features a thickness of only 2.9 mm. To achieve such a remarkable result, the crown is placed in the back of the case.
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.