Movement differences and markings

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.

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47101 differences in movement and crown. Both Snap back.

By: fallanden_ch : April 11th, 2012-01:58

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 additio...

I am sure someone, such as our Moderator, will know more than I

By: respo : April 11th, 2012-06:09

...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...

a small correction, the numbers following the ref number eg 1/2/3 etc does not

By: alex : April 11th, 2012-07:16

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

Thanks, Alex

By: respo : April 11th, 2012-07:19

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 dr...

chances are that through time the dial and/or producers changed or changed

By: alex : April 11th, 2012-07:38

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.