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70’s VC Reference 2097
I’ve been considering a vintage dress piece for some time. I love my modern Overseas, but have a bit of nostalgia for the 70s. Recently came across this piece in white gold. Trying to obtain some additional information on the reference. Purchase from a reputable dealer and questioned the slightly angled Vacheron & Constantin on the dial which was felt to be a production error. The watch is in great shape but there is some patina on the hands, Checking to see if it is keeping accurate time now. Wanted to share with the group. Feel free to comment/feedback. Thanks for looking!
Collection
Collector seeks insights on Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph grey dial. Discusses aesthetics, wearability, and acquiring the steel bracelet.
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70’s VC Reference 2097
I’ve been considering a vintage dress piece for some time. I love my modern Overseas, but have a bit of nostalgia for the 70s. Recently came across this piece in white gold. Trying to obtain some additional information on the reference. Purchase from a re...
Very little latitude for adjustment to your wrist, so be certain you have the right size with some slack
Yes, the bracelet could be laser welded a bit shorter, or an adaptor made for the buckle, but overall you will be committed to that watch. Remember these are elegant dress (not sport) watches - no shock protection to speak of and don't even think of washi...
These are really elegant pieces.
But how were they initially sized by the AD when a client would buy? And when you say even washing hands is dangerous, you don’t mean little droplet splashes, do you??
When new they were cut & welded to fit the client’s wrist
Generally speaking, I do mean that many older dress watches have zero waterproofing, so best you take it off before washing hands, dishes, etc. Running to your car in the rain, ok. Sauna, not ok. Hot tub, definitely not. You’d be surprised how many Ladies...
Minimal adjustment
There are 2 positions on the bracelet but otherwise it’s fixed. Thanks for looking!
Congratulations on acquiring this retro piece. I believe the design is nicknamed “tv screen” due to dial shape.
Is that dial onyx? Also if in doubt i would recommend sending to VC for inspection / diagnostic.
It may be as simple as
the dial being misaligned in the case. In my catalogs, that style of case first appears in 1976 with automatic movement. Yours has calibre 1014?
Ref 2097
I am told this is VC ref 2097P and it is manual winding. I have a great VC book but it isn’t in the book. I don’t have any historical catalogs or other references. Thank you so much for the feedback.
No doubts about your reference number
The auto has a different ref number. The manual has 9-ligne cal 1014, based on JLC 818 ebauche. Variations included 17, 18 and 21 jewels. Please share pictures when you have the back removed.
