The Quartz Crisis was a particularly stressful time for watchmakers across the globe. Not only were quartz watches destroying their business, but to remain competitive watchmakers had to constantly churn out unique and interesting designs that gave the brand a competitive edge. Such models like the Royal Oak, Nautilus and hundreds of others were born during this era, and so too was the watch we have here, the Vacheron Constantin ‘Ellipse' as it is known. Made of 18kt white gold and featuring a 31mm x 27mm rounded rectangular case, it looks exactly as it is named with its eponymous elliptical design An exercise in minimalism, this timepiece boasts a simple silver dial with applied baton hour markers, thin sword-shaped hands and no inscriptions other than Vacheron Constantin’s name and home canton at 12 o’clock and the subtle “Swiss” mark at the edge of the dial at 6 o’clock. A dress watch that tries to go unnoticed even with its beautiful 18kt white gold case, it features a domed bezel and a subtle winding crown which powers its manual-wind movement. Perfectly contrasting some of the ‘out-there’ designs that were produced over the course of the Quartz Crisis, this model and others like it from Vacheron Constantin have found themselves grow into a piece that collectors cherish for their subtle aesthetics and distinct vintage sizing which makes them an easy watch to enjoy in today’s world of larger sports watches.

Watch is in near mint overall condition. Case in near-mint condition, showing little wear. Caseback serial number is clean and legible. Watch has an overall length of 192mm approx.

A charming timepiece with understated proportions and a subtle 18kt white gold construction and monochromatic design, the Vacheron Ellipse is a watch that collectors can't seem to get enough of.