Vacheron Constantin

I am wondering if this watch looks correct as far as it having a caliber K1001 without the usual sub-second hand.  I suspect that not all K1001 movements were equipped with a second hand. Does anyone have another example to show, or know the history of the movement?

Thanks in advance.

That doesn't mean that one couldn't exist though.  I believe VCs cal numbering system would have given it a different # to indicate no second hand.  For example:

K1001 sub-seconds, index regulator
K1001/1 sub seconds, free sprung balance
K1002 center seconds, index regulator
K1002/2 center seconds, free sprung balance

I don't think there are any other variations of this caliber.

The cal. 1120 is similar I believe, in that:

Cal 1120, no second hand
Cal 1121, no second hand, date
Call 1122, center seconds, date

I am trying to express is that there is some method to VC's calibre numbering system, though it is not always neat and tidy (there are exceptions and transition pieces, though rare). 

After saying all this, your movement definitely looks authentic, so I don't know.  The best would be to contact VC, perhaps through their online Concierge Service (at least in North America).  If you provide them your watch's case and movement numbers, plus your specific question about having no second hand - then after they check with the Heritage Dept, should be able to provide you an authoritative answer.

Hope this helps and let us know what the results are.

Best Regards, Dan

A two-hand Ref. 4667 circa 1952 with cal. 1001 was featured as lot 274 of the Art of Vacheron Constantin auction catalog.  This piece had very elegant diamond indexes and was on a gold bracelet.  Most cal. 1001 watches had sub-seconds though.

Your watch and the one Dean references below are such examples.

Bill