Historiques Ultra-fine 1968

43043/000R-9592

Historiques Ultra-fine 1968 View larger
Historiques Ultra-fine 1968

Brand  : Vacheron Constantin
Collection  : Historiques
Model  : Historiques Ultra-fine 1968
Reference  : 43043/000R-9592
Complement : 4N Pink Gold
On sale : 2010

39 000 €Recorded list price in FranceI WANT IT

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  • Brand  : Vacheron Constantin
    Collection  : Historiques
    Model  : Historiques Ultra-fine 1968
    Reference  : 43043/000R-9592
    Complement : 4N Pink Gold
    On sale : 2010
    List Price : 39 000 €
    Height : 35.2 mm
    Width : 35.2 mm
    Thickness : 5.5 mm
    Styles : Evening
    Types : Self-winding
    Calibre : Vacheron Constantin 1120
    Calibre distinction : Hallmark of Geneva
    Extra-thin
    Case material : Pink gold
    Case peculiarity : Extra-thin
    Shape : Square
    Water-resistance : 30 meters
    Dial : Silver
    Display : Hands
    Indexes : Baton-type
    Strap material : Alligator leather
    Strap color : Black
    Strap clasp : Pin buckle
    + More characteristics : Movement
    Thickness : 2.45 mm
    Diameter : 28 mm
    36 jewels
    Frequency :
    19 800 vibrations per hour
    Power reserve: 40 hours

    Case and buckle in 18 carat 4N pink gold
    Dial with 18 carat black finished indexes and mirror-polished Maltese Cross
    Clasp with polished half Maltese Cross

DESCRIPTION

  • Vacheron Constantin : The ultra-thin heritage

    Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultrathinness. The Geneva-based manufacturer has indeed been closely involved in the epic milestones of this distinctive form of expertise, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when Vacheron Constantin introduced the world’s thinnest wristwatches.

    Today, Vacheron Constantin is enriching its “Historiques” collection with two new creations directly inspired by its heritage, each lending a new and distinctively modern touch to one of two legendary calibers.

    “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”
    Currently the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick It is equipped with the mechanical hand-wound 1003 movement, the thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick, rebuilt in 2010 for its 55th anniversary in 18-carat gold, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

    “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”
    Equipped with the ultra-thin mechanical self-winding 1120 movement featuring a new decorated oscillating weight, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

    Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and can legitimately claim to be the world’s oldest watch manufacturer still in activity, with over 250 years of continuous expertise and production behind it. A truly unique status within the watch industry.

    This proud heritage cultivated over a quarter of a millennium is punctuated with timepieces and movements that have each in their own way left an indelible imprint on their era. This stunning and inestimably valuable patrimony, through which the brand’s history is inextricably bound up with that of the watch industry, eloquently testifies to the brand’s consistent technical and aesthetic creativity.

    Evolving in step with new inventions, techniques and of course with the tastes of horological enthusiasts, Vacheron Constantin has explored all fields of the watchmaking art, including pocketwatches and wristwatches, as well as ring-watches, pendant-watches, and brooch-watches. Its range encompasses highly complicated models, automatons, sophisticated clocks, as well as an area which is less conspicuous yet requires an incredible wealth of expertise, experience and talent: that of ultra-thin mechanical movements.

    Extreme slenderness is traditionally not considered as a horological complication, in that it does not itself contribute an additional watch function in the same way as a date or a chronograph. It would nonetheless be entirely legitimate to describe it as such, due to its highly complex nature that often pushes micromechanical boundaries to the limit. Although many try their hand in this field, few are successful.

    While the first ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin calibers were produced in the 19th century, the manufacturer became most prolific in this speciality during the 20th century, which is generally considered as the ultra-thin “golden age”. It was indeed in the early 20th century that wristwatches began to gain popularity, and weight and thickness thus became crucial factors in ensuring the wearer comfort of such models.

    The Vacheron Constantin heritage comprises extraordinary ultra-thin creations and a succession of slimness records.

    Right from the start of the 19th century, the Vacheron Constantin archives (including a letter written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to a certain Mr. Girod in Paris, dated May 18th 1812) feature references to thin watches. Another letter dated January 27th 1829 and written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to François Constantin also mentions the production of “a few thin pieces”.

    Vacheron Constantin’s historical records for 1911 also include three 8, 9 and 10-ligne calibers, each measuring 2.82 mm thick. The remainder of the century witnessed an impressive number of ultra-thin calibers, representing impressive horological feats and becoming ever slimmer over the years: 2.25 mm in 1917, 1.88 in 1924. Some were used to create such extraordinary models as a rock crystal watch presented in 1926 and equipped with a 2.63 mm red gold movement (visual available).

    In 1931, Vacheron Constantin set a new world pocket-watch record with a mechanical movement measuring 17 lignes 5/12 in diameter and less than 1 mm thick – exactly 0.94 mm to be precise (visual available)!

    Ultra-thin movements continued to inspire the Geneva-based manufacturer, leading it in 1981 to present the “Structura” collection, which set a highly original stage for one of these movements by reversing it and fitting the hands on the bridge side, thereby enabling connoisseurs to admire the full complexity of its structure.

    In 1992, Vacheron Constantin confirmed that its expertise in the field of extreme slenderness also extends to Grand Complication movements by presenting the thinnest minute-repeater wristwatch movement to date, measuring 3.28 mm and earning the Geneva-based manufacturer another record (visual available).

    The world’s thinnest mechanical movements are developed in Vacheron Constantin’s historical L’Ile premises.

    Within this impressive legacy, one particular hand-wound movement continues to attract the attention of specialists and collectors. Work on its development began in 1952 in L’Ile (the building on the Rhone River ‘island’ that has housed Vacheron Constantin’s histo-rical premises since 1875) and it was presented for the brand bicentenary celebrations in 1955 under the name Caliber 1003 considered as the most beautiful at this time. Its 9-lignes or 20.80 mm diameter and 1.64 mm thickness have made i t the world’s smallest mechanical manual-winding movement on the market. By way of comparison, this micromechanical masterpiece composed of 117 parts is about the size of a small Swiss 20-centime coin.

    This now legendary caliber (of which the excellence was to be confirmed by the subsequent orders placed by other great names in fine watchmaking) was used to equip three round watches that set a new record as the world’s thinnest watches measuring just 4.54 mm thick. These three timepieces have forever imprinted on people’s minds the image of the archetypal Vacheron Constantin watch: round, classic, ultra-thin and extremely reliable.

    In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to pay tribute to this legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of one of those three watches: the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”, currently the world’s thinnest hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date.

    The development of Caliber 1120 began in 1966 and production began at the end of 1967. It too attracted the notice of specialists and collectors and was ordered by other great names in fine watchmaking. In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has also chosen to pay tribute to this equally legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of the vintage ultra-thin watches: the model now called “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”.

    These two timepieces will find their natural place within the “Historiques” collection, specifically created to bring back to life the various designs and movements that have shaped the finest hours of Vacheron Constantin.

    A collection composed of watches intended for watchmaking collectors, connoisseurs and devotees, for those with a taste for discreet and elegant models, as well as purists. It features models such as the Chronomètre Royal 1907 presented in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of the original, and the amazingly daring Historique American 1921 model reinterpreted in 2008 and which was named “Watch of the Year” in October 2009 in Geneva.

    Historiques” collection - The “Historique Ultra-fine 1968” watch and Calibre 1120

    Vacheron Constantin has chosen to make 2010 a tribute year to its ultra-thin timepieces by reissuing, again within its “Historiques” collection, a square-shaped model dating from 1968 and equipped with the famous ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120.

    In revisiting this watch, the manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 18-carat 4N rose gold timepiece creates a striking contrast between the strict square dial opening and the slightly curving case flanks. The resulting design exudes an impression of elegant understatement, further accentuated by a vertical-brushed silver-coloured dial adorned with simple and geometrical hour-markers. The pared-down lugs lend a pleasingly strict touch to the overall effect, while the sapphire crystal that is bevelled all around further underscores the ties between this watch and the non-conformist period when it was first launched. Everything about the design echoes the legendary Swinging Sixties through an original model that has in time become a great classic.

    Compared with the original 1968 watch (reference 7614), the watch now presented features updated technical characteristics in tune with modern times: water resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to around 30 meters; a sapphire crystal, and a clipped-down solid case-back exactly like the original model. Despite such improvements, which generally tend to increase bulk, this watch measuring 35.2 mm along its sides is even thinner than its historical predecessor: 5.50 mm compared with 6.52 mm, making it one of the thinnest watches in its category.

    Like the 1968 model, the contemporary version is equipped with the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120. This exceptional movement driving hour and minute hands has powered some of the most prestigious ultra-thin self-winding watches in horological history.

    Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a sophisticated construction that called for some unusual technical solutions. For this re-edition, the manufacture Vacheron Constantin has rebuilt the caliber: although its dimensions – 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick – remain unchanged, it is now equipped with an 18-carat gold oscillating weight bearing the Maltese Cross system. It offers an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva , its exceptional finishing features Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.

    By way of conclusion, in 2010 Vacheron Constantin has chosen to re-issue two ultra-thin watches that have made their mark on its history, duly christened “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” and “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”. By choosing to equip them with the same legendary vintage calibers – the 1003 and 1120 rebuilt for the occasion and now bearing the independent and sovereign Hallmark of Geneva certification – the manufacture is showcasing its peerless creativity in the field of exceptional classic watches. And in the process, it is also demonstrating its complete mastery of extreme slenderness by treating it as a full-fledged complication in its own right.

  • Vacheron Constantin : The ultra-thin heritage

    Vacheron Constantin has chosen today to revive some of the finest moments in the quest for ultrathinness. The Geneva-based manufacturer has indeed been closely involved in the epic milestones of this distinctive form of expertise, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when Vacheron Constantin introduced the world’s thinnest wristwatches.

    Today, Vacheron Constantin is enriching its “Historiques” collection with two new creations directly inspired by its heritage, each lending a new and distinctively modern touch to one of two legendary calibers.

    “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”
    Currently the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick It is equipped with the mechanical hand-wound 1003 movement, the thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick, rebuilt in 2010 for its 55th anniversary in 18-carat gold, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

    “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”
    Equipped with the ultra-thin mechanical self-winding 1120 movement featuring a new decorated oscillating weight, and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

    Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and can legitimately claim to be the world’s oldest watch manufacturer still in activity, with over 250 years of continuous expertise and production behind it. A truly unique status within the watch industry.

    This proud heritage cultivated over a quarter of a millennium is punctuated with timepieces and movements that have each in their own way left an indelible imprint on their era. This stunning and inestimably valuable patrimony, through which the brand’s history is inextricably bound up with that of the watch industry, eloquently testifies to the brand’s consistent technical and aesthetic creativity.

    Evolving in step with new inventions, techniques and of course with the tastes of horological enthusiasts, Vacheron Constantin has explored all fields of the watchmaking art, including pocketwatches and wristwatches, as well as ring-watches, pendant-watches, and brooch-watches. Its range encompasses highly complicated models, automatons, sophisticated clocks, as well as an area which is less conspicuous yet requires an incredible wealth of expertise, experience and talent: that of ultra-thin mechanical movements.

    Extreme slenderness is traditionally not considered as a horological complication, in that it does not itself contribute an additional watch function in the same way as a date or a chronograph. It would nonetheless be entirely legitimate to describe it as such, due to its highly complex nature that often pushes micromechanical boundaries to the limit. Although many try their hand in this field, few are successful.

    While the first ultra-thin Vacheron Constantin calibers were produced in the 19th century, the manufacturer became most prolific in this speciality during the 20th century, which is generally considered as the ultra-thin “golden age”. It was indeed in the early 20th century that wristwatches began to gain popularity, and weight and thickness thus became crucial factors in ensuring the wearer comfort of such models.

    The Vacheron Constantin heritage comprises extraordinary ultra-thin creations and a succession of slimness records.

    Right from the start of the 19th century, the Vacheron Constantin archives (including a letter written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to a certain Mr. Girod in Paris, dated May 18th 1812) feature references to thin watches. Another letter dated January 27th 1829 and written by Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron to François Constantin also mentions the production of “a few thin pieces”.

    Vacheron Constantin’s historical records for 1911 also include three 8, 9 and 10-ligne calibers, each measuring 2.82 mm thick. The remainder of the century witnessed an impressive number of ultra-thin calibers, representing impressive horological feats and becoming ever slimmer over the years: 2.25 mm in 1917, 1.88 in 1924. Some were used to create such extraordinary models as a rock crystal watch presented in 1926 and equipped with a 2.63 mm red gold movement (visual available).

    In 1931, Vacheron Constantin set a new world pocket-watch record with a mechanical movement measuring 17 lignes 5/12 in diameter and less than 1 mm thick – exactly 0.94 mm to be precise (visual available)!

    Ultra-thin movements continued to inspire the Geneva-based manufacturer, leading it in 1981 to present the “Structura” collection, which set a highly original stage for one of these movements by reversing it and fitting the hands on the bridge side, thereby enabling connoisseurs to admire the full complexity of its structure.

    In 1992, Vacheron Constantin confirmed that its expertise in the field of extreme slenderness also extends to Grand Complication movements by presenting the thinnest minute-repeater wristwatch movement to date, measuring 3.28 mm and earning the Geneva-based manufacturer another record (visual available).

    The world’s thinnest mechanical movements are developed in Vacheron Constantin’s historical L’Ile premises.

    Within this impressive legacy, one particular hand-wound movement continues to attract the attention of specialists and collectors. Work on its development began in 1952 in L’Ile (the building on the Rhone River ‘island’ that has housed Vacheron Constantin’s histo-rical premises since 1875) and it was presented for the brand bicentenary celebrations in 1955 under the name Caliber 1003 considered as the most beautiful at this time. Its 9-lignes or 20.80 mm diameter and 1.64 mm thickness have made i t the world’s smallest mechanical manual-winding movement on the market. By way of comparison, this micromechanical masterpiece composed of 117 parts is about the size of a small Swiss 20-centime coin.

    This now legendary caliber (of which the excellence was to be confirmed by the subsequent orders placed by other great names in fine watchmaking) was used to equip three round watches that set a new record as the world’s thinnest watches measuring just 4.54 mm thick. These three timepieces have forever imprinted on people’s minds the image of the archetypal Vacheron Constantin watch: round, classic, ultra-thin and extremely reliable.

    In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to pay tribute to this legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of one of those three watches: the “Historique Ultra-fine 1955”, currently the world’s thinnest hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date.

    The development of Caliber 1120 began in 1966 and production began at the end of 1967. It too attracted the notice of specialists and collectors and was ordered by other great names in fine watchmaking. In 2010, Vacheron Constantin has also chosen to pay tribute to this equally legendary caliber by housing it within a reinterpretation of the vintage ultra-thin watches: the model now called “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”.

    These two timepieces will find their natural place within the “Historiques” collection, specifically created to bring back to life the various designs and movements that have shaped the finest hours of Vacheron Constantin.

    A collection composed of watches intended for watchmaking collectors, connoisseurs and devotees, for those with a taste for discreet and elegant models, as well as purists. It features models such as the Chronomètre Royal 1907 presented in 2007 to mark the 100th anniversary of the original, and the amazingly daring Historique American 1921 model reinterpreted in 2008 and which was named “Watch of the Year” in October 2009 in Geneva.

    Historiques” collection - The “Historique Ultra-fine 1968” watch and Calibre 1120

    Vacheron Constantin has chosen to make 2010 a tribute year to its ultra-thin timepieces by reissuing, again within its “Historiques” collection, a square-shaped model dating from 1968 and equipped with the famous ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120.

    In revisiting this watch, the manufacture has adopted an extremely distinctive style: that of the 1960s. This 18-carat 4N rose gold timepiece creates a striking contrast between the strict square dial opening and the slightly curving case flanks. The resulting design exudes an impression of elegant understatement, further accentuated by a vertical-brushed silver-coloured dial adorned with simple and geometrical hour-markers. The pared-down lugs lend a pleasingly strict touch to the overall effect, while the sapphire crystal that is bevelled all around further underscores the ties between this watch and the non-conformist period when it was first launched. Everything about the design echoes the legendary Swinging Sixties through an original model that has in time become a great classic.

    Compared with the original 1968 watch (reference 7614), the watch now presented features updated technical characteristics in tune with modern times: water resistance to 3 bar, equivalent to around 30 meters; a sapphire crystal, and a clipped-down solid case-back exactly like the original model. Despite such improvements, which generally tend to increase bulk, this watch measuring 35.2 mm along its sides is even thinner than its historical predecessor: 5.50 mm compared with 6.52 mm, making it one of the thinnest watches in its category.

    Like the 1968 model, the contemporary version is equipped with the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 1120. This exceptional movement driving hour and minute hands has powered some of the most prestigious ultra-thin self-winding watches in horological history.

    Despite its apparent simplicity, it features a sophisticated construction that called for some unusual technical solutions. For this re-edition, the manufacture Vacheron Constantin has rebuilt the caliber: although its dimensions – 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 thick – remain unchanged, it is now equipped with an 18-carat gold oscillating weight bearing the Maltese Cross system. It offers an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva , its exceptional finishing features Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks.

    By way of conclusion, in 2010 Vacheron Constantin has chosen to re-issue two ultra-thin watches that have made their mark on its history, duly christened “Historique Ultra-fine 1955” and “Historique Ultra-fine 1968”. By choosing to equip them with the same legendary vintage calibers – the 1003 and 1120 rebuilt for the occasion and now bearing the independent and sovereign Hallmark of Geneva certification – the manufacture is showcasing its peerless creativity in the field of exceptional classic watches. And in the process, it is also demonstrating its complete mastery of extreme slenderness by treating it as a full-fledged complication in its own right.

  • Brand  : Vacheron Constantin
    Collection  : Historiques
    Model  : Historiques Ultra-fine 1968
    Reference  : 43043/000R-9592
    Complement : 4N Pink Gold
    On sale : 2010
    List Price : 39 000 €
    Height : 35.2 mm
    Width : 35.2 mm
    Thickness : 5.5 mm
    Styles : Evening
    Types : Self-winding
    Calibre : Vacheron Constantin 1120
    Calibre distinction : Hallmark of Geneva
    Extra-thin
    Case material : Pink gold
    Case peculiarity : Extra-thin
    Shape : Square
    Water-resistance : 30 meters
    Dial : Silver
    Display : Hands
    Indexes : Baton-type
    Strap material : Alligator leather
    Strap color : Black
    Strap clasp : Pin buckle
    More characteristics : Movement
    Thickness : 2.45 mm
    Diameter : 28 mm
    36 jewels
    Frequency :
    19 800 vibrations per hour
    Power reserve: 40 hours

    Case and buckle in 18 carat 4N pink gold
    Dial with 18 carat black finished indexes and mirror-polished Maltese Cross
    Clasp with polished half Maltese Cross