SIHH 2010: Vacheron Constantin Historique 1968

At the next SIHH 2010 exhibition in Geneva, Vacheron Constantin will present a pair of ultra-thin automatics available in round (Historique 1955) and square (Historique 1968) cases. The squared one is going to be a real hit.

This watch is powered by a vintage VC 1120 ultra-thin automatic caliber measuring 28 mm in diameter and 2.45 mm in height.

This decorated version of the original JLC caliber 920 that became available to Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe in 1967 is considered to be (one of?) the best automatic ultra-thin movement of the time.

Watches featuring this exquisite caliber are still much sought-after by enthusiasts with thick wallets, so, this new edition has a good chance to become a huge success among collectors.

It must be noted that the JLC Caliber 920 in its redecorated or slightly modified forms is still used by the members of the Big Three, even in their mainstream “ultra-thin” models.

We have already seen it posing as AP Caliber 2120 inside the gorgeous Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Extra Thin and the eclectic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Equation of Time (there it had an add-on module extending its functionality to a chronograph and equation of time calculator,) as well as rebadged as Vacheron Caliber 1120 in different models from Vacheron Constantin.

The Caliber 920’s only problem, as some authors put it, is that it was the thinnest only when it came to its “pure” two-handed form. As soon as you started adding even the simplest modules expanding its functionality to a three-hander with date, for example, it immediately lost the competition to “natural-born” three-handers.

Well, that’s just too bad.

The Vacheron Constantin Historique 1968 will be sold in a square 35.2 mm x 32.5 mm (without lugs and crown) case made of 4N 18-karat yellow gold. Being only 5 mm thick, this elegant piece of luxury will look great on your hand if you prefer an expensive business suit to a white polo shirt.

Photos: Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin Historique 1968 (43043/000R-9592) watch specification

Price range: N/A
Movement: VC 1120, ultra-thin, automatic, 28mm x 2.45 mm, 36 jewels
Complications: N/A
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case material: Yellow gold
Case shape: square
Case size: 35.2 mm x 35.2 mm
Case height: 5 mm
Dial: Silvered
Hands: Yellow gold
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished, square-shape scales alligator leather with 18ct yellow gold buckle with half-Maltese cross
Crystal: Sapphire