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 Patrimony Perpetual Calendar ref. 43031 that we have here is a testament to exactly that. Released in 1984 as one of the very few ultra-thin perpetual calendars and produced until the early 2000s, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Perpetual Calendar ref. 43031 that we have here combines some facets of modern watchmaking with timeless design choices to create a timepiece that is effortlessly elegant. Boasting a 36mm 18kt yellow gold case with a stepped bezel and an intricately designed integrated basket weave bracelet, the ref. 43031 wears equally modern on the wrist as it does with a vintage flair. Sporting a golden dial with sunken subdials rich with inscriptions for their complications, the ref. 43031’s dial is a lesson in understated refinement. Boasting applied gold indices, the ref. 43031 exemplifies the idea that Vacheron pays attention to the small details.

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case has some light scratches and a couple of very light nicks on the bezel. Caseback retains fully legible serial number and gold hallmarks. The dial is pristine, with clean gold no-lume hands. The integrated bracelet is in excellent condition, with light scratches on the polished links and a well-defined bark finish on the sides, with negligible play between the links. It fits approximately a 7 1/2" wrist.

A stunning expression of both; Vacheron's technical ability as a watchmaker and their ability to create impressive pieces of luxurious craftsmanship, the ref. 43031 shows the esteemed watchmaker at their very best.