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. 47101 that we have here is a testament to exactly that. Released in 1989 and produced until the early 2000s, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Chronograph ref. 47101 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 37mm platinum case with a stepped bezel, rectangular pushers and elaborate lugs, the ref. 47101 wears equally modern on the wrist as it does with a vintage flair. Sporting a silver dial with a smooth texture and an abundance of inscriptions and scales, the ref. 47101’s dial is a lesson in understated refinement. Boasting applied indices and black registers for its two chronograph subdials, the ref. 47101 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
$25,000 – $35,000
The Details
Brand
Vacheron Constantin
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Les Historiques Chronograph
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 1140
Reference
47101
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Very Good
Material
Platinum
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a silver dial with a smooth understated texture and plenty of easy-to-read black inscriptions, the ref. 47101 showcases its refined and luxurious design language in abundance.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Inspired by the mid-century chronographs that came before it, the ref. 47101 boasts a platinum construction with a stepped bezel and bulbous "crab claw" lugs 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 condition. Case shows moderate signs of wear and previous polishing. There are some marks and scratches visible along the case, and the watch has soft edges due to wear and previous polish. The numbers and hallmarks along the sapphire caseback are all visible and fully legible, but there is some loss of definition. Dial is near-mint with little to no signs of wear. Watch comes with original signed PT tang buckle. The Vacheron Constantin strap currently fitted on the watch is not the correct size, as the buckle end is too wide to fit properly. (It is 1mm too thick)
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 capabilities as a revered watchmaker, the ref. 47101 was a marvel of its time, and is still regarded as one of the brand's finest neo-vintage chronograph models to this day.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
