The Vacheron Constantin Ref. 47101* was introduced in 1989, as part of the brand’s Historiques collection - paying tribute to the Geneva watchmaker’s archives. The origins of the watch can be traced back to Vacheron’s 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.
boast a lengthy and uninterrupted history of manufacture, dating back to 1755. The firm’s founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron, was one of many cabinotier-watchmakers who specialised in the production of complex components. Upon partnering with François Constantin, Vacheron (the brand) became widely-known for upholding the finest horological traditions - enamelling, piercing, engraving and engine-turning.
Overall, the dial layout is cleanly designed, with the chronograph highly legible in a variety of lighting conditions. Classically understated, the dial is finely grained and silvered, balancing the outer five-minute divisions and tachymeter scale perfectly. With its 36 mm case diameter, the size of the 47101 is classically inspired - featuring down-turned, angular 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 integrates Vacheron’s 21-jewel, manual-winding, 1140 caliber, based upon a thoroughly re-worked ‘Nouvelle Lemania’ 2320 ébauche - 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.
Closer look
| Brand: | Vacheron Constantin |
| Model: | Les Historiques Chronograph 47101/000J-4 |
| Movement: | Automatic calibre 1140 |
| Functions: | Chronograph functions, hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Case material: | Yellow gold |
| Case diameter: | 36mm |
| Crystal: | Sapphire front and back |
| Strap: | from our own collection, Black saffiano strap from our own collection, Original brown alligator VC strap, Yellow gold VC deployant clasp and tang buckle. 14mm buckle width |
| Lug Width: | 18 x 14 mm |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Box & papers: | VC Box, User manual, Manufacturer booklet, international warranty papers, World service booklet, Servicing history including invoices and receipts alongside the original purchase receipt from M&W at Heathrow Terminal Four |
This Vacheron Constantin is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs show light superficial marks from relative wear. The hallmarks and engravings on the case back are legible following a previous polish. This example comes with a meticulously documented servicing history from the original owner, including the original receipt and invoice when purchase from Mappin & Webb.
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
