Renowned as one of the finest watchmakers in Switzerland and a member of the illustrious ‘Holy Trinity,’ Vacheron Constantin’s timepieces are, for better or worse, generally less understood than their two compatriots. Perhaps a perfect example of that is the Phidias collection, from which the ref. 48520/967J-7 that we have here hails from. Inspired by the same integrated sports watch language that gave rise to the Royal Oak, Nautilus, Vacheron’s own 222 collection and plenty of others, the Phidias was released in 1989 and took its name from the famed ancient Greek sculpture who was renowned for his work on the Parthenon. Indeed, with such a name it can only be expected that the Phidias’ own construction would be beautiful, and it certainly is, with its sculpted integrated bracelet merging onto its balanced circular case and beautifully understated dial, this example’s 18kt yellow gold case and bracelet are only made all the more beautiful with its diamond-set bezel and dial breathing even more exclusivity and craftsmanship into its already gorgeous design.

Watch is in near-mint contain with minimal wear. The bracelet has 21 links, none removable.

An obscure value-packed watch that has escaped the recent swell of popularity for integrated bracelet watches, the ref. 48520/967J-7 is perhaps the crown jewel within the Phidias collection and all that it has to offer with its diamond-set design and unique construction combining into one intensely elegant package.