Vacheron Constantin Medicus Chronograph Guide

amanico · 2026-02-18T16:00:25Z

Explore the rare Vacheron Constantin Medicus Chronograph, Ref. 47151/47152, a 37mm platinum timepiece from 2000. Discover its Lemania 1872-based movement and limited production.

Nicolas (amanico) brings to light the Vacheron Constantin Medicus Chronograph, a rare platinum timepiece from 2000. This article delves into the nuances of this 37mm reference, exploring its movement, production variations, and its place within Vacheron Constantin's horological history. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of a reference that sparks both admiration for its finishing and debate regarding its caliber choice.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Vacheron Constantin Medicus Chronograph, introduced in 2000, derives its name from the pulsations dial. All models utilized the VC Calibre 1145, based on the Lemania 1872 cam-lever chronograph.
While the original post suggested 30 pieces in platinum, the production numbers and references are more complex. The Ref. 47151/000P-8917 in platinum had 10 pieces, and the Ref. 47151/000R-8918 in rose gold had 30 pieces, both with rose gold-plated skeleton movements. The Ref. 47152/000R-8918 in rose gold had 10 pieces, and the Ref. 47152/000P-8917 in platinum had 30 pieces, both with rhodium-plated skeleton movements.
The choice of the Lemania 1872-based movement for a Vacheron Constantin chronograph has been a point of contention among collectors, with some critics arguing it represented a 'disregard for the spirit of craft.' However, the extensive hand-finishing and skeletonization of the movement are widely acknowledged as top-notch.
An earlier platinum version, Ref. 47151, featured a rose gold-plated movement. This reference, along with others, has been documented with warranty cards and case numbers confirming their limited production runs.
For further insights, a detailed review of this specific timepiece by Tim Mosso is available, providing a valuable external perspective on its significance.

The Discussion

quattro

Feb 18, 2026

https://www.phillips.com/detail/vacheron-constantin/140925 Tim Mosso made an interesting review of this very special timepiece:

Tick Talk

Feb 19, 2026

with the Lemania 1872 worthy of VC's name on the dial, IMO. But even then...for all the hand labour that went into these, why not go for a better chronograph? Carlos Perez savaged the choice as "perhaps the most disheartening example of an appparently growing disregard for the spirit of craft" in his seminal Decay of the Angel articles. While the upgrade to skeletonizing the movment certainly addressed aspects of "craft", the pedestrian Medicus engine was only exceeded in banality by the best-fo

Goh

Feb 19, 2026

As you've mentioned, while the movement isn't great, the work and finishing on it is top notch. BTW, there is also an earlier PT version (Ref: 47151), with rose gold plated movement. * pic from Sotheby's

Tick Talk

Feb 19, 2026

Medicus was introduced in 2000 and received its name due to the pulsations dial. All used the VC calibre 1145 based on Lemania 1872 cam-lever chronograph familiar to many in later Speedmasters. Ref 47150 came in a solid rose gold case. The 47151 shared by Goh was available in platinum with a skeletonized and engraved gold-plated movement in 10 pieces. Ref 47152 returned to rose gold but with a skeletonized rhodium-plated movement in 30 pieces.

Goh

Feb 20, 2026

Ref 47151 came in PT case with rose gold plated movement, as well as RG case with rhodium plated movement, each made in 10 pieces. Ref 47152 came in PT case with platinum plated movement, as well as RG case with rose gold plated movement, each made in 30 pieces.

Tick Talk

Feb 20, 2026

I will correct my database. Do you happen to have any catalog images?

Vacheron Constantin Medicus Chronograph Guide

Key Points from the Discussion

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