Introduction
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. 48010/1 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 two-tone case and bracelet are only made all the more beautiful with its mix of supple curves and straight lines.
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Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Service Pouch
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Vacheron Constantin
Dimensions
33mm x 6mm
Model
Phidias
Movement
Automatic cal. 1130/1
Reference
48010/1
Bracelet
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch and box
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Boasting a white dial with a subtle graph paper pattern with 18kt yellow gold applied stick indices, the ref. 48010's display is an impressively well-executed example of artisanal watchmaking.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting a two-tone stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold construction, the ref. 48010 is as carefully crafted and it beautifully designed with its blend of curves and sharp lines.
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
The watch is in overall very good condition. The steel parts of the case show some nicks, while the yellow gold bezel has visible surface scratches. The case back has very well-defined engravings and clean screw heads. The white linen-finish dial is near mint, and the yellow gold hands are very clean. The integrated steel and gold bracelet has light surface marks and scratches. The bracelet fits an approximately 7 1/4” wrist. The watch comes with a Vacheron Constantin travel pouch.
Our Perspective
An obscure value-packed watch that has escaped the recent swell of popularity for integrated bracelet watches, the Phidias collection is an intensely elegant package that still retains the understated qualities that so many collectors look for in the watches that they wish to enjoy.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
