Vacheron Constantin Ref. 6484 Caliber P453/3B

Sergio Michelsen · 2019-12-28T10:07:16Z

New Vacheron Constantin owner Sergio Michelsen seeks details on his vintage Ref. 6484 with Caliber P453/3B. Explore movement comparisons and dating.

Sergio Michelsen introduces his first Vacheron Constantin, a Reference 6484 from the 1960s, powered by the Caliber P453/3B. He seeks community expertise to understand the movement's history, its comparison to the 1001/3 series, and to verify its manufacturing date, as he suspects the auction house's estimate might be inaccurate.

Hi, I am new to VACHERON CONSTANTIN.

I just purchased my first Vacheron Constantin which is a Reference 6484 dated form the “1960's”.. The watch is powered by Caliber P453/3B which has 18 jewels (as opposed to the earlier ones which had 17 jewels) and is stamped twice with the Geneva Seal.

I would appreciate the group’s knowledge in providing me with additional information on this movement and how does it compare to the 1001/3 series since I understand that both are based on a JLC Ebauche.

I would also be grateful if you could provide me with estimated manufacturing date; the auction house indicated that it is from the 1960’s, but I wonder if this is the case as I thought that in the 1960’s VC began using the 1003 movement rather than the 453 movement.

Thanks!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Caliber 453, with sub-seconds, and its sister Caliber 454, with center seconds, were based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 449 ebauche, with the 18th jewel being a lower cap jewel for the escape wheel pivot.
The Caliber 1001, based on JLC 818, was smaller than the 453, measuring 9 lignes and 2.94mm thick compared to 12 1/2 lignes and 4.00mm.
The Caliber 1003 was introduced in 1955 for Vacheron Constantin's bicentennial, initially reserved for a new case design featuring Maltese Cross lugs.
Vacheron Constantin, like other brands, received JLC movements as 'movement blancs,' with all Geneva Seal finishing completed within the canton of Geneva, making the movement as 'VC' as possible.
Some watchmakers argue that the 'original' JLC 449 movement is superior to the later JLC 818, suggesting potential cost-cutting affected quality.
A collector with an extensive database of vintage Vacheron Constantin watches estimates the movement's serial number dates it to roughly 1950, recommending an extract from VC for precise information.

The Discussion

EinPA

Dec 28, 2019

Wonderful watch

Great choice

Dec 28, 2019

Fantastic choice!

As for comparison with other movements, I would say that anything from VC is top notch. I think the1003 is the thinnest movement that VC ever put in a wristwatch. But, but what matters most is that the piece you now have called to you.

Passionata_george

Dec 28, 2019

Pure perfection [nt]

Reuven Malter

Dec 28, 2019

I consulted all my books about vc but i couldnt find this

piece. Great choice anyways, congratulations! Sorry that i couldnt help.

amanico

Dec 28, 2019

JLC ebauche for sure, and I would rather say from the 50's. But I don't know vintage VC that well... [nt]

Pun

Dec 28, 2019

I'd forget details and enjoy the beauty of this watch. And that's immense!!

Watches like poetry, are meant to be appreciated and admired. They are, like other things of beauty, not meant to be understood.

Vacheron Constantin Ref. 6484 Caliber P453/3B

Key Points from the Discussion

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