Vacheron Constantin

The Vacheron Constantin reference 47101 occupies an important place within the Vacheron Constantin's modern chronograph lineage. Introduced in 1989 as part of the Les Historiques collection, it was conceived as a tribute to one of the manufacture’s most admired mid-century models, the reference 4178. The design was reinterpreted with contemporary precision and hand-finished detail, resulting in a model that has since become a touchstone of neo vintage watch design.

Housed in a finely proportioned 37 mm platinum case, the present watch exhibits the subtle refinement characteristic of Vacheron Constantin’s production during the period. The elegant teardrop lugs, polished pushers, and clean, silvered twin-register dial, complete with outer tachymeter scale, create a balanced and symmetrical designed, with classic proportions but a contemporary look. Platinum examples were produced only in limited numbers, further enhancing the desirability of this configuration.

At the heart of this timepiece is the manual-winding Caliber 1140, a movement renowned for its precision and beauty. The Caliber 1140 is a reworked version of the Nouvelle Lemania 2310 ébauche, a movement with a storied history and significant importance in the watch industry. This ébauche has been used in the production of many iconic movements, including Omega’s Caliber 321, which powered the early Speedmasters, Patek Philippe’s Caliber 27-70, used in references such as the 3970 and 5070, and Breguet’s Caliber 533.3, among others. The movement is meticulously finished, with Geneva stripes, polished screw heads, and chamfered edges, all visible through the sapphire crystal case back.

Produced until approximately 1999, the reference 47101 represents the peak era of purely hand-wound Vacheron Constantin chronographs before the introduction of a number of automatic successors. Its restrained proportions and exemplary finishing continue to appeal strongly to collectors seeking a chronograph of enduring elegance and mechanical pedigree.