Vacheron Constantin Ref. 2050 Caliber K1121

pplater · 2019-04-17T20:41:17Z

Uncover the Vacheron Constantin Ref. 2050, a rare 1970s ultra-thin automatic with Caliber K1121. Expert insights identify this vintage gem and its market value.

pplater

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

16 replies4572 views3 photos

pplater's quest to identify a Vacheron Constantin inherited by a friend highlights the challenges of researching vintage references, especially those with unusual cases and lost original bracelets. This article delves into the community's expert analysis, attempting to pinpoint the model, production era, and movement of this intriguing timepiece. The discussion underscores the value of collective knowledge in uncovering the history of rare watches.

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VC experts: your assistance would be much appreciated.

The photos which follow show the watch which a good friend inherited from his father (and no: this is not another scam story from a one-post newbie fishing for tips to improve his counterfeit pieces!). The watch is likely to have been bought in the late sixties or early seventies. It was apparently claimed at that time to be the thinnest automatic on the market and cost what was a king’s ransom in dollars of the day. It was originally on a bracelet which matched the unusual case, but that was destroyed by someone trying to repair it (isn’t that so often the story?).

Even some fairly dedicated internet surfing has failed to turn up any history of the watch. The next stop may have to be an enquiry to VC but before that happens, is it possible that anyone here knows anything about the watch? Model, production period, production history, movement – any detail or guesses would be very welcome.

Cheers,

pplater.

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch is likely a Vacheron Constantin Ref. 2050, powered by the automatic Caliber K1121, based on a JLC ébauche but finished to VC's higher standards. It was probably produced in the early to mid-1970s, possibly around 1975, rather than the late 1960s.
The Caliber 1120 movement family, known for its slim 3.05mm height (with date), was commonly used by Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, and others during the mid-70s, aligning with the watch's design and 'tapestry' dial trend.
The estimated market value for a good used sample of a similar Vacheron Constantin with the Caliber 1120/1121 movement ranges from 7,500 to 15,000 USD, though provenance market offerings can be found for 3,500 to 5,000 USD, suggesting an underrated value.
The original poster had previously inquired about this watch, demonstrating how easily specific details about vintage pieces can be forgotten or difficult to recall without a clear reference.
The integrated bracelet, though destroyed, was a common design feature during the era, making the watch's original bracelet plausible despite initial suggestions it might not have been on one.
The Caliber 1120/1121 remains in use in modern Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle models, highlighting its enduring significance and quality.

The Discussion

jomni1

Apr 17, 2019

Reminds me of the new Grand Seiko. [nt]

dedestexhes

Apr 17, 2019

I suspect seen how thin the watch is

that it has a 1120 movement- or at least from that family. It was 3.05 mm high with date. Like a lot of movements back then coming originally from JLC. Also used by Patek and others. That would also tie in with the design of the watch which screams mid 70ies. Also tapestry dials were en vogue back then. Not sure if this all is correct but might make sense 😀. Br, Dirk

pplater

Apr 17, 2019

Thanks Dirk!... [nt]

anon438

Apr 18, 2019

Adding my Rough Guess..

This is not intended to be an authenticity check, it's just a first rough guess. Made and sold in early to mid 1970's, definitely not late 1960's - my guess: 1975. For the ref, a difficult to answer question - my best guess, a follower or derivative of ref 2040, but there are many similar looking case designs at that time. The Vacheron Constantin automatic movement is probably a K1121, with Geneva Hallmark, 36 jewels, segment 21K gold rotor. It is based on a JLC ébauche, but refined and regulate

pplater

Apr 18, 2019

Thank you also, Timeset...

That is a very thorough, and very helpful, response. The comments about the bracelet were just a little confusing though: why do you think it was probably not on bracelet originally, if (on the other hand) at that time you could observe the integrated bracelet very often? Cheers, pplater.

anon438

Apr 18, 2019

because integrated bracelet cause different case design - no lugs

see pictures

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