boast a lengthy and uninterrupted history of manufacture, dating back to 1755. The firms founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron, was one of many cabinotier-watchmakers who specialised in the production of complex components. Upon partnering with Fran?ois Constantin, Vacheron (the brand) became widely-known for upholding the finest horological traditions - enamelling, piercing, engraving and engine-turning.
The Vacheron Constantin Ref. 47101 was introduced in 1989, as part of the brands Historiques collection - paying tribute to the Geneva watchmakers archives. The origins of the watch can be traced back to Vacherons iconic reference 4178, from the 1940s - with its tachymeter scale and placement of the subsidiary dials - considered by many to be one of the most beautifully refined chronographs ever made.
The watch displays an engine-turned,?black dial with applied Arabic and baton numerals. The two sub-dials, at three and nine o'clock are the thirty-minute and sub-seconds registers, respectively, with engine-turned patterning at the centre. The dial is classically understated, balancing the outer five-minute divisions and tachymetre scale perfectly. The watch displays five hands - hours, minutes, and seconds for the time, with seconds and minute hands for the chronograph.
Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed, with the chronograph highly-legible in a variety of lighting conditions. With its 36 mm case diameter, the size of the 47101 is classically inspired - featuring down-turned, tear-drop lugs and a polished, chamfered bezel. The snap-on, display case-back, features the Maltese cross and manufacturer's hallmarks, along with its unique reference numbers.
The reference 47101/3?integrates Vacherons 21-jewel, manual-winding, 1140 caliber, based upon a thoroughly re-worked Nouvelle Lemania 2310 ebauche - much like the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070. The movement is beautifully finished, with exquisite chamfering on all angles, polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping. The movement uses a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, self-compensating Breguet spring and swan-neck micrometer regulator.
This Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Chronograph comes on our black saffiano strap and corresponding yellow-gold tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vacheron Constantin |
| Model: | Les Historiques Chronograph 47101/3 |
| Movement: | mechanical manual-winding Cal. 1140 |
| Functions: | chronograph, hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Features: | tachymetre scale, tear-drop lugs, display back |
| Case: | 36mm yellow-gold |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and display back |
| Strap: | black saffiano strap, corresponding yellow-gold Vacheron Constantin tang buckle |
| Lug/buckle: | |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Box & papers: | Archive Extract |
This manual-winding, black dial, yellow-gold Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Chronograph is in excellent condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.
