70 Vacheron Constantin Elegant and Precious, Quantieme Perpetual Calendar, Automatic Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, Guillochè Dial, Reference 43 031

Estimate: €20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Model: Perpetual Calendar
Reference: 43031
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 2000's
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1120/2 QP
Case N°: 651876
Movement N°: 861524
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

The ultra-thin, automatic perpetual calendar, Vacheron Constantin ref. 43 031 was conceived in the early ’80s in what was a collective hard stance by the major Maisons that classic watchmaking and complicated watches had a future in what was, at the time, a full-scale assault from the quartz movement. Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and other brands produced some of their finest ultra thin perpetual during this period, creating a wave of what’s now commonly referred to as the neo-vintage era with these particular watches being known as the ultra-thin. The reference 43 031, which is understood to have been in production for around two decades, was the quintessential perpetual calendar model from Vacheron Constantin. It was produced in a range of different configurations, with different metals, dials and bracelet options available, including a striking skeletonized version under the reference 43 032. Production figures varying quite significantly throughout, from around 20 to 100 pieces made per year. It is thought Vacheron Constantin produced less than 2300 of these perpetual calendars over 23 years, making it much rarer than the Audemars Piguet Ref. 5448/25657 and Patek Philippe ref. 3940 counterparts. The lot here offered is a very remarkable specimen part of the late second series with a yellow gold stepped case finely preserved. Towards the end of production, the very last 2nd series ref. 43 031 were signed SWISS MADE at 6 o’clock. These dials are thin and far between, marking the end of a historic model with a very nice guillochè decoration of the surface. Also, “GЀNEVE” below the Vacheron Constantin logo mark is also seen to be enlarged, another differentiation from the earlier SWISS only dial. Built upon the ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 ébauche the Vacheron Constantin ref. 43 031 houses the caliber 1120/2 QP created with the help of with Dubois-Depraz, a complication specialist.