Vacheron Constantin 'Spillmann Calatrava'

The great dress watches of the 1950s often achieved their elegance with remarkably little: beautiful proportions, a superb movement, and a case whose details become more interesting the closer you look. This Vacheron & Constantin is an especially handsome example—and its case adds another important name to the story.

Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the 34mm case was made by C.R. Spillmann & Co, the celebrated Geneva casemaker responsible for cases used by some of Switzerland’s most prestigious manufactures. Spillmann is particularly associated with exceptional complicated and waterproof cases for Rolex, and its work for Vacheron Constantin has become a point of considerable interest among vintage collectors. Here, the broad caseband flows into substantial, sharply formed lugs that curve downward around the wrist, giving the watch considerably more presence than its 35mm measurement might suggest.

The two tone silvered satin dial is pure mid-century Geneva. Applied rose-gold triangular markers alternate with Arabic numerals at the cardinal positions, while slender matching baton hands indicate the time. A subsidiary seconds register at 6:00 provides just enough interruption to the otherwise beautifully spare composition. The simple rose-gold crown completes the case.

Inside is the manually wound Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1001, an exceptionally thin movement perfectly suited to the restrained proportions of a classic dress watch.

Between the Spillmann case, beautifully balanced dial architecture, warm rose gold, and hand-wound movement, this is the sort of vintage Vacheron that demonstrates why simplicity at the highest level is anything but simple.

Few watchmakers can claim a lineage as long or as rich as that of Vacheron Constantin.

Established in 1755, the manufacture soon had a reputation for the elegance of its products, which included pocket watches with complicated movements and engine-turned dials. Even today, these are marks of a watchmaker’s expertise due to the skill and precision involved in crafting them. For Vacheron Constantin to have achieved such a feat in the eighteenth century is nothing short of remarkable.
This expertise carried the firm through the 19th century, earning it gold medals at National Exhibitions and blazing trails in the area of anti-magnetic timepieces. The 20th century saw further achievements, such as the opening of its boutique on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it still resides today.

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 to thrive. Whether via its vintage-inspired Historiques collection or its adventurous Overseas line, modern Vacheron Constantin is a horological force to be reckoned with.

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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.