This beautiful Gents Vacheron & Constantin is simply the epitome of style and class fitted to a factory perfect understated dress watch which nevertheless is of the very highest quality in every regard. Nick named the ‘Disco Volante’ (Flying Saucer) gains its nomenclature due to the relatively flat case ultra thin design with wide bezel, sunken crown and short, almost hidden, lugs. Fitted factory 18 carat solid gold 2 tone detachable bracelet which fits a gents small to medium wrist size of 6.8 inches in circumference (Please measure wrist before purchase). Watch can be worn on a leather strap within seconds as the gold bracelet is fitted to removable spring bars. The watch bears import hallmarks for ‘London’ 1964 and accompanied with its original bespoke presentation box and matching serial numbered original Guarantee Certificate. An exceptional and collectable gentleman’s dress watch from one of horology’s most revered names. This will not only make an excellent dress watch but also a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use on a daily basis should you so wish. It will provide an excellent investment or heirloom as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy. Fully inspected and tested by a master horologist with no issues to report keeping perfect time ready to enjoy for many years to come!
The case carries the Vacheron Calibre 1003, which at just 2.94mm thin was the world’s thinnest movement when first released in 1952. Perhaps more importantly, many experts consider this to be the finest hand-wound movement ever made. It has certainly stood the test of time, as it remained in production until the early 1980s. Indeed a development of this movement, the Calibre 1001, released a little later, remains in production to this very day, featuring in the Vacheron & Constantin ’Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955’, currently retailing in the UK at almost £30,000 which is fitted with leather strap band!
In addition to its very fine movements, Vacheron & Constantin is widely renowned for the quality and elegance of its watch dials. Here we have a fine example in champagne gold with applied gold faceted batons. The batons link the wide bezel with the centre dial and add a slight sense of an exploded, or time warp aspect to this dial. This, in combination with the ‘Disco Volante’ watch case creates a subtle sense of drama, while remaining firmly within Vacheron’s strictest bounds of excellent taste.
During the 1950s and 1960s, ultra-thin, time-only timepieces set a new standard for technical excellence. At the heart of this watch is the ultra high-grade Cal.1003 movement with 17 jewels. Not only this, but it occupies that most rarified atmosphere of ‘the very highest quality movements ever’. Indeed it was so successful and so formative, it played a large part in the basis of Vacheron & Constantin’s success and reputation throughout the 1950s and 1960s. These movements are said to have only ever been matched by the peak of the Calibre 23-300 and 27-AM 400 hand-wound movements from Patek Philippe. Not only did this movement break new ground for its diminutive dimensions while still performing to the highest standards one expects from a fine Swiss watch, but a major component of this movement’s appeal was due to it being one of the most aesthetically pleasing movements one is ever likely to see.
From its earliest days, Vacheron Constantin has been the torchbearer of Haute Horlogerie. This is reflected not only in the quality of its movements, but also in its watch cases.
The 18ct yellow gold case is of a two-piece construction which improves dust and moisture protection. The size of this watch is 33 mm in diameter. However, it seems larger on the wrist due to its overall design. It lies very flat and the effect is so elegant and so pleasing on the eye. The case is 6mm in depth, including the lens and the press-fit design is of obviously of very high quality.
This Vach feels overtly luxurious – the sold gold 18 carat case and Vacheron bracelet are pleasantly heavy in the hand at 64 grams gross and you get drawn in fast by the execution of each element. The 6335/6688 feels a little more rooted in the 1960’s than competing Pateks or the AP’s of the era do.
Solid gold bracelet watches really succeed or fail on how well the bracelet does its ‘pas de deux’ with the case, and in this respect the 6335/6688 succeeds extremely well. The 19mm Milanese weaved 2 tone bracelet is beautifully machined with a smooth finish and it looks elegant on your wrist to which a lot of bracelets aspire but seldom achieve –
The Original Dial: What makes this piece special is the sunburst dial, which goes exceptionally well with the rest of the gold theme. Signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin Geneve below ‘12’ o clock with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom below ‘6’ o clock. Beautifully designed throughout featuring raised gold gilt baton indexes. The gold pointed baton hands provide a clear contrast between the tone of the applied black signature and the surface of the dazzling gold champagne dial itself. In overall good condition with some age related micro marks only noticeable under x4 loupe magnification. Please observe photographs.
Original Case: The watch has been beautifully well cared for. 18 carat solid gold case measuring 33mm wide. Looks larger on the wrist due to its unique thin shape. Beautiful ultra thin design. Has surface hairline surface scratches associated with precious metals commensurate with age and wear. Overall in good condition with no deep scratches or dents.
Original Case Back Cover Inner: Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected, signed ‘Vacheron Constantin’, ‘Swiss’, with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks and the Vacheron model number 6335, along with the case serial number *****. Signed Vacheron Et Constantin Swiss 18K 750 Swiss essay marks import hallmarks for London denoting the letter i for 1964. Numbers all match against papers. In solid condition.
Original Case Back Cover Outer: Snap back solid gold polished 18 carat case. Case pops, clicks and fits perfectly. Has surface hairline scratches associated with polished precious metals commensurate with age and wear x1 pin dent visible when looking closely or under magnification. Please see photos.
Original Crown/Winder: Correct unsigned crown - In superb working order.
Original Movement: Ultra thin design icon is the only statement that can be made about the calibre 1003 Vacheron & Constantin. Launched in 1955 at the Basel Watch Fair, the calibre 1003 was given the accolade of being the world’s thinnest manual winding movement. The movement had a thickness of just 2.94mm. Today, a calibre 1003 Vacheron & Constantin, is a must-have for any advanced watch collection. Recently inspected and tested by Swiss watch specialist watchmaker with no issues to report. In excellent working order keeping accurate time. The hand-wound movement here is utterly beautiful, and is, put very simply… a work of art.
Original Crystal: Good condition.
Original Vacheron Constantin Detachable Bracelet: Signed with the Vacheron Maltese cross on the clasp, hallmarks essay marks 0750 18k. Will fit a small to medium gents wrist circumference of up to 6.8 inches in circumference equally can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp or by alteration of the bracelet by a competent jeweller. This bracelet is fitted to spring bars and is detachable, easily removed and replaced with leather band within seconds. In superb condition for the age with signs of light use over the years.
Original Presentation Box: Signed ‘Vacheron Constantin’. In average condition with light scratches and age related imperfections. Hinges are good. Please see photos.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Vacheron is over 60 years old. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Maker: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Ultra thin nick named ‘Disco Volante’.
Reference: 6335/6688
Year: Circa 1964
Material: 18k yellow & White gold
Dimensions: 33mm case width x 5mm thickness
Crystal: Perspex
Lume: No
Caliber: Vacheron Constantin 1003/ 17 Jewels
Bracelet: 18 carat solid gold Milanese hallmarks Swiss essay marks 0750 18k
Bracelet Width: 19mm
Box & Papers: Yes
Vacheron Constantin - The oldest continuously operating watchmaker in the world, founded in Geneva in 1755. This Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has a long and rich history, known for producing some of the most complicated and expensive watches in the world. Their watches are often regarded as works of art, with each one crafted with the utmost attention to detail and precision.