Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1983 Reference No: 33019 Movement No: 722’949 Case No: 566’312 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9’’ – 103, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin is renowned for their mastery of the art of creating coin watches in either pocket watch or wrist watch form, using a variety of coins from around the globe. Crafted in 1983 and fashioned from an American $20 “Liberty” head gold coin dating back to 1904, this reference 33019 ingeniously transforms the coin into a horological masterpiece.
A small pusher on the right side of the case opens the lid and reveals the watch, the latter on a hinge that can be lifted and even used as a table clock.
Housed within is Vacheron Constantin’s ultra slim calibre 1003, launched in 1955 for the brand’s 200th anniversary, which at 1.64 mm, was the world’s thinnest manual wind movement for decades.
What sets this timepiece apart is not only its historic significance but also its relevance to modern tastes. While a 35mm coin might have been inconvenient for carrying in a pocket, it emerges as a perfect-sized dress watch, aligning with the contemporary trend of smaller timepieces making a resurgence.
Fitted with a sunburst champagne dial, the present $20 Liberty Coin Wristwatch is well-preserved and a coveted item for discerning collectors who appreciate the convergence of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary taste in an uncommon timepiece.
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.
