Vacheron Constantin

I have a Vacheron Constantin 47101/4 purchased in 1994, with original box and paperwork. The watch is mint, and appears to have never been opened-serviced or altered in any way.

I know there were changes to this model over the years, including the addition of a screw back, but I wasn't aware of any changes to the movement or crown. I found a picture of a similar model, but unlike mine, the movement where Vacheron inscribes their name is of a different shape. The crown is also larger and is signed.

As this model is often talked about on this forum, I thought this would be of interest. If anyone can shed some light on the differences, it would be appreciated.

...but my understanding is that the changes in going from ref. 47101 to 47111 were due to changing from the snap-on caseback to the screwed-down caseback (as you noted) and a slight change to the movement's gear train.  I am not sure about the crown and if there were changes to it over the years, but I and others have noticed that the pushers came in a couple of shapes (some are more oval while others are more rectangular). I do not recall seeing any crowns on the 47101/47111 that were unsigned, but it sounds like yours is unsigned.  Have you had yours evaluated by Vacheron Constantin, by the way?  That is the only way to determine if yours is 100% correct.

It is hard to compare movements without a clearer side-by-side of the photos of yours and the other watch.  At least I am having a hard time looking at the images you provided.  It would be interesting to know if changes to the caliber 1141 are noted in the printing on the movement in the different references, that is does it read "1141" on movement in all of the references or is there some indication of a modified 1141 printed on the movement? 

The part of the reference number following the "/" (i.e., 1, 2, 3 or 4) seems to signify changes to the hands, e.g., whether the gold hour and minute hands were striped or solid (with /2 and /3 being the striped hands).  These numbers may signify other slight changes of which I am unaware. 

I have even read and seen images of one example marked 47101/4-47111, which must have been a transitional model. 

The mysteries of Vacheron's reference numbering from the past abound.  It's part of the fun. ;-)

 

Best,

respo

refer to the hands or dial but to modifications made to the case

Still, the numbering is curious for this reference.  Indeed it does seem that some of the watches came with striped hands while others came with solid hands, and if these numbers do not reference that change, was the choice of hands just the luck of the draw?

Best,

respo

their production methods or VC internally decided to change the designs but the Ref number inscribed on the case back refers only to the case.

Respo,

Sorry for the poor picture quality, my macro lens is on order and better pictures will follow from that point on. I did want to respond that I looked thoroughly with a 10X loupe at all markings on the movement, and while they match up perfectly with the paperwork, there is no indication of the movement reference anywhere on the movement itself.

The main difference between the two watch backs is the bridge where Vacheron signs their name. On mine it is more of a U shape, on the second model it is more of a V shape. You should be able to see this from the pictures.

As for the crown, this is something I am wondering about. I bought the watch from a reputable dealer and as it has all the original paperwork and is in esentially mint condition from 1994, I would hope that the crown was not replaced. It appears that even the spring bars are 18K gold and the strap has been changed, so again, I am hoping my crown is original.

I'm certain Alex is correct about the / after the reference number. I have seen the same comment on other forums, in addition, there isn't much about Vacheron Constantin that Alex doesn't know.

I also hope Alex reads this, maybe he can shed some light on the movement differences and the issue regarding the crown.

 

 

 

 

Watch could be amongst the 1st models which would explain the lack of any emblem

Thanks Alex, I hope you are correct. As it was sold in 1994, it certainly could have been produced in the early 90's.

Did you notice the difference in the two movements from my photographs? The U shape on the bridge vs. the V shape?

 

 

1141 in 1996