Vacheron Constantin Day Date Moonphase

The Holy Trinity of watch brands: Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin.

Far less understood than either of its respected compatriots, Vacheron Constantin has a legacy of producing some of the very finest haute horlogerie complications in history — and some of the loveliest.

Sports watches came later to VC, as pressure from the new “luxury sport watch” category introduced in the early 1970s forced the storied maison to evolve. This piece, however, stands as a holdover of the classic watchmaking of Vacheron's historical era.

A Reference 47009/451J, this 34mm piece dates to the 90s, and represents one of the best values on the vintage market. A day date moonphase with an integrated bracelet and signed locking clasp, manufacturing a watch like this today would undoubtedly cost twice what this piece trades for. Perfectly sized, complicated, and elegant, this watch has the fundamentals to be an ideal complicated everyday watch.

A subtle tapisserie dial displays the calendar functionalities in the classic 3 register display, and paired to its lovely integrated bracelet, this piece is the ideal intersection of complicated watchmaking, and elegant jewelry-like refinement.

If you're on the hunt for an ideal complicated wristwatch from one of the master of complicated wristwatch production, this piece is an incredible--- and rare-- classic.

Few watchmakers can claim a lineage as long as that of Vacheron Constantin, which has operated continuously since its founding in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755. Known early on for complicated pocket watches and finely engine-turned dials, the firm expanded internationally following François Constantin's arrival as a partner in 1819. In 1880, it adopted the Maltese cross as its emblem, establishing one of watchmaking's most recognizable symbols.

Throughout the 19th century, Vacheron Constantin earned gold medals at national exhibitions and pioneered advances in anti-magnetic timepieces. In 1839, the company hired Georges-Auguste Leschot, whose development of precision machinery for producing interchangeable watch components helped transform the manufacturing process. The 20th century saw further achievements, including the opening of its boutique on the Quai de l'Île in Geneva in 1906, where it still resides today. In 1955, to mark its bicentenary, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Reference 6099, an extraordinarily thin manually wound wristwatch powered by the Calibre 1003, measuring just 1.64mm thick.

Even through the Depression and the Second World War, when many watch companies were forced to band together with competitors or else face closure, the manufacture continued producing fine timepieces. Its postwar output included elegant dress watches, complicated chronographs, and distinctive designs such as the asymmetrical Reference 1952, better known as the "Cioccolatone."

Today, the brand's vintage-inspired Historiques collection revisits celebrated designs such as the 1921 American, while its Overseas line, descended from the integrated-bracelet Reference 222 of 1977, offers a sportier interpretation of traditional Genevan watchmaking. From ultra-thin movements to perpetual calendars and minute repeaters, Vacheron Constantin continues to draw upon more than two and a half centuries of mechanical expertise.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.