One of the most important models ever produced by Vacheron Constantin, reference 30020 is not only a pleasure for the eye, but an important horological specimen. The importance of this reference is fully understood when examining its case and movement construction. In fact, both of them are directly inspired by a vintage minute repeating reference made in the first half of the past century: reference 4261, now one of the most coveted vintage Vacheron Constantin references. The case is a direct descendant of the 4261 case, defined by the iconic teardrop lugs and the thin, highly elegant overall construction. As a matter of fact, cal. 1755 was at the time of its inception the thinnest minute repeating movement ever made, sporting a remarkable 3.28 mm thickness.

Its slimness, however, is just one of the fascinating aspects of its movement. It was inspired by the movement construction of reference 4261, and realized following “old school” construction techniques, the ebauches themselves being reconditioned vintage stock.

The minute repeating caliber, cal. 1755, was only made in 200 examples. The majority was cased in reference 30010 (with traditional dial) and reference 30030 (with skeletonized dial). 77 examples, however, were upgraded with the perpetual calendar / moonphases module, and nearly all of them were cased in the present reference 30020. Remarkably, this was the very first time Vacheron Constantin produced a minute repeating wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moonphases. Two repeating vintage pieces with calendar and moonphases are known, but they feature a simple triple calendar.

Furthermore, the present timepiece retains its Certificate of Origin, stating the watch was sold in Hong Kong in 2005, adding another layer of collectability.