Vacheron Constantin

Hi All,

Been doing some interesting comparisons between various watches I have,to see what power reserve they have when fully wound.I have a manual Cal 1003 - ultra thin movement.Whilst I accept because of the thinness of the movement,you should not expect to much from them - I recently fully wound mine and got 26.5 hrs and then 24 hrs respectively - yes I know this suggests that a service is due - but I have read that the Cal 1003 should have a power reserve of between 31 - 40 hrs variously - can anyone confirm...

Firstly the official power reserve of the Cal 1003

Secondly,what power reserve have you got when yours is fully wound

Thirdly, I tend to use an accredited FBHI watch repairer for my Omegas - whilst he will repair other marques,including V & C s - he cannot guarantee obtaining parts,if they require replacement - he is pretty good,he is based in Rye,UK.Whilst I would like to send it to VC - sooorrry !!!! - in all honesty,I can only afford a good BHI watch repairer - so does anyone know of,or can recommend a BHI watch repairer,they have used for their V C's

Thanks

Alex

I don't have my 1003 watches any more to test the power reserve out for you, but it definitely should be over thirty hours (and I recall that when I wore mine they would operate for well more than 24 hours).

I'm guessing that at the least you'll need a new mainspring. If your watchmaker can get one then so much the better. If not, then you're probably obligated to go with VC's service.

Bill

hi
i have tested the power reserve on full wind of the cal 1003 (circa 90s classique}on three occasions over the past two months and have averaged thirty six hours---still hoping to reach forty hours
hopes this helps
best regards
henry

Thanks Bill and Henry for your input,it is begining to confirm my worst fears  - so now it looks like a mainspring issue - the question will be what this will cost - I have found an independent watch repairer whom will do the service,but what cost the mainspring I wonder ?

Thanks

Alex

 

 

Hi Alex! I have four 1003 movements and they all run between 36-40 Hours. There is a shop in the States selling parts for VC 1003 movement and there price for the mainspring is 65$ plus shipping. Do a Google research on Cas-Ker and you will find it easily. I have bought from them a mainspring among other parts but I don’t know if they are willing to do the shipping for a small order.

You could give it a try though.

Marios

Hi Marios,

Thanks for the info.on the mainspring - this is most odd,as when you log onto VC main site,the official power reserve on this caliber is shown as 31 hrs - the best i got was 26.5 - so its about 85% of its power reserve when fully wound - my watch maker thought a service might resolve this,but he is examining it right now.I did manage find a source for the mainspring @ £20 GBP and one in the US @ $47.00 - but I will await watchmakers results.I am looking at another Cal 1003,they are fantastic - one has an immaculate dial,but boring,tonnau shape case,one has coin finished circular bezel,very nice,but some very slight deterioration to edges of the dial,only slight - I prefer this watch it is unlike my square YG Cal 1003 - the Tonnau case may look to similar colour etc - what are your thoughts - are yours all immaculate original dials - as I have noticed a lot of the dress watch types,the dials can suffer - do you live with it ? - what to do for the best - I would not consider a refinish on a dial at any cost - What are your experiences of this Caliber Marios ?

Thanks

Alex

Hi Alex! It is true that the site mention the power reserve on 31 Hours. I guess this is happening because the 1003 movement is considered to be chronometer quality. So for 31 hours it is keeping excellent time, without being wound. But it should run more for many more hours even if it does not keep good time. I did repaint two of my 1003 dials, in Italy but they were on terrible shape as you can see on the pictures. This guy in Rome does excellent repaint. But if the problem is minor I wouldn’t touch it. I used to wear my 1003 and they really keep amazing time, you must be careful with it as with all vintage watches, (water, magnetism etc). But for the last year I am in love with my vintage automatic VC with guillochage dial (photo 3). AS for the choice don’t listen to anybody but your heart.   

 

Marios       

 

 

Well Marios,between this watch site and another and your informative posts,it has put my mind at ease on many subjects - of course,you can buy a watch who's dial is in such original,mint condition,people only believe its a re-dial/refinish,no matter what - so a little wear and tear,is perhaps no bad thing - by the way,I can understand you current obsession with the auto at the moment - that is a statement of watchmakers craft.

thanks

alex