Exclusive Timepieces 21 – 22 October 2023 | Monaco
Auction Details
The timepieces that we are offering at this auction are coming from all over the world and from some of the most prominent collections.
An incredibly impressive selection of truly rare Rolex Daytonas. A stunning and rare Cartier watch. A Patek Philippe in platinum from the 1920s, coming to auction for the first time, the John Goldberger Calatrava, which is one of the most sought-after reference 530s, to name but a few.
Session I: Saturday 21 October, 2:30 PM – lots 1 to 108
Session II: Sunday 22 October, 10:30 AM – lots 109 to 172
Session III: Sunday 22 October, 2:30 PM – lots 173 to 281
212 Vacheron Constantin Elegant and Precious, Quantieme Perpetual Calendar, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Champagne Dial, Reference 43 031
Estimate: € 15,000 – 30,000
Sold € 16,900
Model: Perpetual Calendar
Reference: 43031
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1990s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1120/2 QP
Case N°: 611 631
Movement N°: 733 132
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
The ultra-thin, automatic perpetual calendar, Vacheron Constantin ref. 43 031 was conceived in the early ’80s in what was a collective hard stance by the major Maisons that classic watchmaking and complicated watches had a future in what was, at the time, a full-scale assault from the quartz movement. Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and other brands produced some of their finest ultra thin perpetuals during this period, creating a wave of what’s now commonly referred to as the neo-vintage era with these particular watches being known as the ultra-thin. The reference 43 031, which is understood to have been in production for around two decades, was the quintessential perpetual calendar model from Vacheron Constantin. It was produced in a range of different configurations, with different metals, dials and bracelet options available, including a striking skeletonized version under the reference 43 032. Production figures varying quite significantly throughout, from around 20 to 100 pieces made per year. It is thought Vacheron Constantin produced less than 2300 of these perpetual calendars over 23 years, making it much rarer than the Audemars Piguet Ref. 5448/25657 and Patek Philippe ref. 3940 counterparts. The lot here offered is a very remarkable specimen part of the first series with the sigma signature around the Swiss print at six o’clock and a yellow gold stepped case finely preserved. Built upon the ultra-thin Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 ébauche, the Vacheron Constantin ref. 43 031 houses the caliber 1120/2 QP created with the help of with Dubois-Depraz, a complication specialist.