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Mr.Watchley
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FS: Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar 43031 yellow gold

Apr 22, 2024,13:04 PM

 

Brand: Vacheron Constantin - (more)

Series: 0

Model: Perpetual Calendar 43031 yellow gold

Condition: MINT

Location: Belgium  

Status: FS

Listed: Apr 22, 2024, 1:04 PM

Asking Price: EUR 21,450 (in USD)

Retail Price: EUR 

Payment Info:

Remarks:

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The Watch

The Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 43031 embodies the epitome of a refined dress watch, showcasing unparalleled horological sophistication and elegance. Crafted from 36 mm of lustrous yellow gold, this timepiece distinguishes itself with its immaculate white dial adorned with a "Automatic" inscription and a golden Maltese Cross.

In the early 1980s, amidst a vigorous push from the quartz movement, major Maisons collectively embraced the idea that traditional watchmaking and intricate timepieces still held promise for the future. This sentiment led to the creation of the ultra-slim, self-winding perpetual calendar, known as the Vacheron Constantin ref. 43031. The production of the ref. 43031 lasted for 23 years, during which the production quantities fluctuated considerably, ranging from approximately 20 to 100 pieces manufactured per year.

 

As production progressed through the mid-1990s, the dial of the ref. 43031 underwent several revisions. One notable change was the inclusion of the golden Maltese Cross, positioned above the Vacheron Constantin logo. The logo itself was slightly reduced in size, and the word "Automatic" was now visible just below the 12 o’clock sub-dial. 

Interestingly, enthusiasts found the dial with the golden Maltese Cross to possess more character and visual appeal compared to the version without it.

Highlighted by a moonphase crafted from lapis lazuli, along with indicators for the weekday, month, leap year, and date, the dial creates a mesmerising sense of depth, particularly under the play of light. The white backdrop, complemented by gold hour and minute hands, hosts sub-dial hands in a contrasting dark grey/black hue.

Exemplifying classical aesthetics, the timepiece boasts a polished case with a stepped bezel and straight lugs, echoing the brand’s rich heritage, especially its legendary perpetual calendar pocket watches with a 48-month cycle. Despite its nod to tradition, the watch's slim profile, measuring under 8 mm, embraces contemporary design sensibilities, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience.

The Movement

The Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 43031 is powered by an automatic movement, the caliber 1120, featuring an oscillating weight crafted from 21K gold. The rotor, spanning the full diameter, is elegantly decorated with Geneva stripes.

Measuring a mere 2.45 mm in thickness, this self-winding movement, comprising 36 jewels, stands among the slimmest in the realm of haute horlogerie. Its significance in the annals of fine watchmaking traces back to the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 movement, renowned for its ultra-thin construction and developed with collaborative efforts from Audemars Piguet, subsequently embraced by Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.

Emblazoned with the Seal of Geneva, this timepiece bears testimony to an esteemed standard of quality, further cementing its status as a symbol of horological excellence.

How it wears

With a modest width of 36mm, this Vacheron Constantin timepiece exudes a charming compactness on the wrist. The seamless fusion of its case and dial, coupled with its straight lug configuration, accentuates every desirable aspect. When worn, it boasts remarkable slimness, enhancing its luxurious appeal. Moreover, its case width ensures comfortable wear for a diverse range of wrist sizes, making this piece of art accessible to many.

Condition & Set

The Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 43031 is presented in excellent condition, boasting flawless mechanical performance. Included with the timepiece are its original yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle and a brand new VC alligator strap.