Vacheron Constantin

Hi,

I inherited what appears to be a Vacheron Rose Gold Watch.  I went to a Jeweler who took the back off and read some number to me.  They were:

338829 and 4667 and 185 and 1001

Using these numbers, I can't find the exact match of the watch, but the attached is identical to the one I have with the exception that it does not say Swiss on the bottom. 

Anyone have any ideas where I can get additional information?

Thanks!

The six digit number could be either the case or movement serial number. Do you know where the number was engraved? 4667 is the reference number of the watch, defining the case shape. 1001 refers to the caliber reference number. (The caliber 1001 is an excellent movement). I don't know what the 185 refers to. It was probably made in the 1950's. What else would you like to know about this watch?

Bill PS-I deleted the link to a commercial site, per forum guidelines.

I will verify all of the number in the next few days.  If you don't mind, I would appreciate your additional comments.  Do you think that it is rose or pink gold.  Once I have the correct location of the numbers, is there a book or information guide that can tell me if there is a name to this watch?  Also, I have seen the gold VC buckle.  Is this appropriate for this watch and where do you think I might find one?

I really appreciate your help!

Thanks

Red gold is different, with a higher copper content. I sometimes find with vintage VC watches that the rose gold and yellow gold are pretty close in color. It is a subtle difference. I would recommend that if you get a modern VC buckle that you make sure it matches the color of your case. VC's watches from this ear did not have a buckle with the Maltese Cross shape in it. They were rather plain. If your watch has the original buckle I would recommend you keep and use it.

VC did not use names for its watches from this time period. The four digit reference number is all you're going to get.

As for the movement, the caliber 1001 was really quite small for its time. Only the caliber 1003 was thinner. The 1001 had either 17 or 18 jewels, was 20.8 mm in diameter and only 2.94 mm thick. It beats at 18,000 VPH. It often carries the Geneva Seal, which was a quality assurance hallmark. Vacheron Constantin's website has an excellent section dedicated to describing, with pictures, what that entails.

Bill

Though in a different reference watch, this one being from 1955:


This message has been edited by WHL on 2008-11-11 20:50:16

Thank you for the picture.  The inside fo this watch looks to me to identical.  The only numbers found are on the inside of the case cover (338829; 4667 and 18K) and the 18 jewel movement number 1001 on the movement itself.  Thanks for all of the information, I feel comfortable that this is real.  Any idea of where I could find the value of the watch?