Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1999 Reference No: 49005/000P Movement No: 805’041 Case No: 641’791 Model Name: Les Complications Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1136 QP, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Vacheron Constantin pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer with a history reaching back to 1755 when Jean-Marc Vacheron signed on his first apprentice. Since that time they have become a global brand selling exemplary timepieces from early complicated pocket watches to modern contemporary wristwatches, which today are collectable for both their technical prowess and classic designs. The “Les Complications” line of fine timepieces was released in 1992 complimenting the brand's line of time only timepieces and featured models with minute repeating movements, tourbillon and like the present chronograph perpetual calendar. According to the archive, fewer than 300 total timepieces were made between 1992 and 2002, when the collection was ended.
The present example is in lovely original condition with a rare platinum case. The watch is aesthetically pleasing with a large 38mm diameter case, classic white dial with four subsidiary dials centred in a cross form with month combined with leap year, a day with 12-hours, date with 30-minute register and moon phase combined with constant seconds. The “sigma” dial features white gold markers and is clean easy to read, with the watch sitting comfortably on the wrist.
Today’s market for collectable watches is strong for top brands and complicated timepieces are sought after by many, this lovely Vacheron Constantin is a wonderful addition to a collection, both with its rare platinum case and skilled technical craftsmanship.
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.