Vacheron Constantin has evolved over the years from their position in the shadows of their fellow "Holy Trinity" members, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, to a watchmaker that is revered throughout the entire watchmaking industry. Crucial to this development was their attractive dress watches like the example we have here with its stunning champagne dial and beautiful 18kt yellow gold construction. While most high-end brands typically focus on creating round dress watches, there has always been room for watchmakers to experiment with timepieces that break from that convention in some way, shape or form, and shape is how the example that we have here breaks from that convention. Ever-so slightly rectangular with a gently swollen midcase and rounded corners, this example fills the wrist but remains incredibly neat when worn thanks to its lug-less design. With a consistent polished finish across its gorgeously aged surface, this example’s vertically-brushed champagne dial pops against its darker polished surroundings. Set apart from the typical circular dress watches of its era in aesthetics, this example indeed matches its peers in specs with its and manual-wind movement, which was certainly to be expected at the time for a dress watch.

Incredibly thin and elegant on the wrist, it is timepieces like the ref. 33203 that deepened Vacheron's roots as one of watchmaking's finest ateliers with its refined proportions, understated design and impressive craftsmanship.