Vacheron Constantin

Mark in Paris
[Purist]
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A Vacheron Constantin "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" I like very much: the 49005

Hi everyone,

I'm quite into Perpetual Calendar Chronograph watches these days.


The VC 49005 from 1992 is the first version of this complication for the brand and is the previous model to the Malte Chronograph Perpetual Calendar (which then led to the current Traditionnelle version). Its case is 38mm wide and 12mm thick.

The main difference with the 2 last generations is that it was an automatic wound movement, which some may find a handy feature for a Perpetual Calendar as it allows the owner to put it on a winder until the next wearing period.

Crédit: Antiquorum

I understand the movement is based on a 1185 Frederic Piguet movement added to a VC Perpetual Calendar module (thank you Respo for the info): it is the 1136 QP (28 x 7.9 mm, 279 parts, 21,600 vph).

It looks quite simple, especially for a Chronograph movement, as we are used to seeing quite more impressive calibers in that field but, yet, it remains nicely finished (at least on this official picture). Anyway, it is hidden behind a solid caseback.

Credit: Vacheron Constantin website

It was produced in 500 rose gold pieces and less than 300 platinum pieces (figures from The Hour Lounge).

However, what looks amazing and something I often see in VC watches (and appreciate in watchmaking generally speaking) is the gorgeous dial layout. I can't speak about the finishing and material of the dial as I never saw one in the metal but the decoration (golden rings for the subsidiary dials) looks fantastic.

The watch really is elegant and of a rare beauty (I suspect it looks particularly as such especially in this picture).

I didn't find many quality pictures so if you have some to share, or are an owner of such a piece (or any experience with it) I'll be delighted to read you

Cheers, Mark