Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige

Vacheron Constantin’s 1972 collection has been making an impression for over four decades. Today,
there is a new men’s version of this timeless icon inspired by the original. Like the 1972 creation, the
most recent arrival displays the balanced asymmetry that strictly follows the proportions of the
golden section. Made of white gold, the new 1972 Prestige also houses a precious ultra-thin
mechanical movement. A model of sophistication and elegance, this new icon bears the Poinçon de
Genève.

Some timepieces are born under a lucky star and destined to change history. Vacheron Constantin’s 1972
model is definitely one of these. On June 23, 1972, in the reception rooms of the prestigious Ritz Hotel not
far from 2 Rue de la Paix, the Comité de France bestowed the rare and coveted Prestige de la France award
on Vacheron Constantin in tribute to the brand’s distinctive expertise, acquired through a desire to achieve
authenticity, technical perfection, and elegance.


Vacheron Constantin is the first watchmaking manufacture to have been honoured with this award.
In celebration of this honour, the Geneva company brought out a wristwatch of astonishingly innovative
appearance, with an asymmetrical design that was exceedingly daring for its time. It was made in an
extremely limited series, and the back was engraved with the Prestige de la France coat of arms. Since then,
Vacheron Constantin has continued to offer this asymmetrical shape in various sizes and proportions,
sometimes in ladies’ watches and sometimes in men’s, such that it has developed into the iconic 1972
collection.

Precious metal and the golden section

The 1972 Prestige hearkens back to its roots in the historic model. It has the same elegance and harmonious
proportions, is the same size, and houses – as it did back in the day – a mechanical hand-wound movement.
Like the original, the new 1972 is embellished with Prestige de la France engraved on the back. This nod to
history, and to one of the countless creative episodes that have been enriching Vacheron Constantin’s legacy
for over 250 years, is much more than a bold and unusual watch: it is the culmination of a formal study that
drew on art and cultural history as the source of the obvious harmony in its evenly distributed proportions.


The 1972 Prestige takes its strength and balance from the principles of the golden section. For example, the
dimension of the longest side of the case, divided by the length of the sapphire crystal on the opposite side,
equals 1.618 – the famous golden section that appears in several of the greatest successes in the history of
art and architecture, from the facade of the Parthenon in Athens to Le Corbusier’s Modulor.

This restrained silhouette is further set off by the polished white gold case. The natural reflections
emphasise the curving lines and shapes of this elegant timepiece. Like all the models in this collection, the
1972 Prestige has a cambered profile that reiterates the arched dial and sapphire crystal. For a highly
sophisticated touch, the grey satin-finished sunburst dial features subtle chevron motifs accentuated by two
18K 5N pink gold dauphine hands.

A legendary calibre

Since its beginnings, the 1972 collection has always housed remarkable mechanical movements. The new
1972 Prestige is no exception, since at its heart beats Vacheron Constantin’s Calibre 1003, an extraordinary
mechanical movement. While the fact that it is made of gold already sets it apart from most movements on
the market, its other features are what have made it truly legendary.

Calibre 1003 was developed starting in 1952 and introduced on the company’s two-hundredth birthday in
1955. To this day, it remains the thinnest mechanical hand-wound movement on the market. Considered by
many experts to be one of the most beautiful and sophisticated ultra-thin movements, Calibre 1003 has been
defying the laws of mechanics for over 50 years. Making it is extremely complicated, and regulating it takes
all the expertise of a Fine Watchmaking firm. On this occasion, Vacheron Constantin has chosen to use a
revisited version of this calibre. It remains only 1.64 mm thick – still a record for thinness on the market. In
contrast, its finishes are more sophisticated than in the early days, because now the bridges and plate are
made of 18K gold. Its 117 components work at a frequency of 18,000 vph, and despite its minuscule size it
has a power reserve of over 30 hours. It is meticulously finished: applying the Côtes de Genève motif,
circular graining and bevelling of the components, and drawing of the steel parts is all done entirely by
hand.

Today, the extreme slenderness of Vacheron Constantin’s Calibre 1003 is paired with the 1972 Prestige
model in service to a new stylistic expression, emboldened by the asymmetrical white gold case (waterresistant
to 30 metres) and brown alligator leather strap. As a fitting final touch to an exceptional piece, the
1972 Prestige bears the famous Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva).

A limited edition of 40 for special Boutiques

The same is true of a second version of this 1972 Prestige, which is styled with more contrast in shades of
black and white. Unveiled for the opening of Vacheron Constantin’s new Paris shop at 2 Rue de la Paix, it is
offered in a limited edition of 40 pieces as a boutique exclusive. Extremely sophisticated, it stands out for its
shining silvered dial and glossy black strap and naturally also has all the other features that make the 1972
Prestige an exceptional watch in every way.



TECHNICAL DATA

Reference    33172/000G-9775
                       1972 Prestige
                       Hallmark of Geneva certified timepieces
Caliber         1003, ultra-thin, 18K gold
                       Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
                       Energy Mechanical hand-wound
                       Movement diameter 21.10 mm (9’’’ ¼ )
                       Movement thickness 1.64 mm
                      Jewels 18
                      Number of components 117
                      Frequency 2.5Hz (18,000 vibrations/hour)
Indications  Hours, minutes
Power reserve approx. 31 hours
Case            18K white gold
                      “Prestige de la France” engraved on caseback
                       25mm x 47mm, thickness: 8.72mm
                       Water resistance Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approx. 30 metres)
Dial Grey sunbrushed with transferred chevron pattern
Bracelet Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with alligator leather inner
shell, stitched-tip, large square scales
Clasp 18K white gold buckle
Polished half Maltese cross