Introduction
Revered by collectors and watchmakers alike for their classical approach to watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin are renowned for their old-time aesthetic, heritage-inspired designs and traditionalist view of mechanics. With this, some of Vacheron's timepieces offer a wonderful view of the timepieces that came generations before the modern watches of today and the Les Historiques Chronograph ref. 49003 that we have here is a testament to exactly that. Released in the early 1990s and produced until the early 2000s, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Chronograph ref. 49003 that we have here combines some facets of modern watchmaking with timeless design choices to create a timepiece that is effortlessly elegant. Boasting a modern-sized 38mm 18kt yellow gold with a stepped bezel, pump pushers and thin straight lugs, the ref. 49003 wears equally modern on the wrist as it does with a vintage flair. Sporting a silver dial with a Clous de Paris engraving that gives it a hobnail texture, the ref. 49003’s dial is a lesson in understated refinement. Boasting applied 18kt yellow gold indices and borders for its three chronograph subdials, the ref. 49003 exemplifies the idea that Vacheron pays attention to the small details.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$6,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Vacheron Constantin
Dimensions
38mm
Model
Historiques Chronograph
Movement
Automatic cal. FP 1185
Reference
49003/000J
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa mid-1990s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White Textured DIal
THE DIAL
Featuring a silver dial with a clous de paris engraving that gives it a hobnail texture, the ref. 49003 showcases its understated yet luxurious design language in abundance.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Inspired by the mid-century chronographs that came before it, the ref. 49003 boasts an 18kt yellow gold construction with a stepped bezel and pump pushers that feed into its heritage-inspired aesthetic.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows signs of oxidation along the edges, as well as some dings and marks particularly located near the upper right lug as seen in the images. It appears the case sustained some damage in that general area at some time. Caseback engravings and hallmarks are crisp and fully incatct. The white textured dial is in excellent condition, showing minor signs of aging. Watch comes on a third party strap and an original vacheron buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Combining a heritage-inspired design with contemporary sizing and Vacheron's modern capabilities as a watchmaker, the ref. 49003 was a marvel of its time, and rightly so.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
