2002 Vacheron Constantin Historiques Jalousie Shutter-Dial

Here we have a rarely seen and unusual 2002 Vacheron Constantin Historiques Jalousie Shutter-Dial. Jalousie simply means “jealousy”; it is playful and teasing in its execution and is also French for Blind or Louvre window. Based on a 1930s case made by Parisian jeweller Verger Frères, with whom Vacheron Constantin worked with for many years, it is a clever variation of concealment and protection similar in function to that found on the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. A distinctive 22.5mm “Tank shaped” 18ct Pink/Rose Gold case with slender straight lugs leads to a lug-to-lug length of 36.5mm and a case thickness of just 7mm, ensuring a comfortable fit and a classic profile. On the right side, an 18ct Pink Gold crown signed with the Maltese cross. The lower part of the case is intricately hand engraved in a repeating Art Deco “S” shaped curved pattern; the top part of the case is smooth. A domed bezel holds the slim vertical blinds to hide the beautiful dial. To open the blinds, you slide the blue cabochon under the dial to the right to reveal a sapphire crystal above a stunning white enamel dial; applied Pink Gold stick indexes mark the hours, slender thermally blued leaf hands sit above a precisely executed, sub-seconds at 6 o’clock and at noon we have the Vacheron Constantin motif completing this beautifully crafted Art Deco inspired dress watch. On the reverse 18ct Pink Gold screwed-down case back, stamped with its relevant hallmarks, inside a manually wound Vacheron Cal. 1055, 21 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour, at just 2.1mm thick, this remains one of the world's thinnest movements. The watch comes paired with a VC 15mm leather strap and an 18ct Pink/Rose Gold clasp, stamped with its relevant hallmarks and comes in a VC service box.

This watch is sold as Watch Only but comes in a VC service box. It is paired with a VC 15mm leather strap and an 18ct Pink/Rose Gold clasp stamped with its relevant hallmarks. The watch is from Circa 2002 and is sold in worn condition, with the crystal and dial untouched, as you can see from the photographs. A full case and clasp refurb can be provided at an additional cost on request. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

It is far from every day that a Vacheron Constantin Historiques Jalousie Shutter-Dial appears on your desk, especially in this beautiful size of 22.5mm by 36.5mm, perfect for any wrist size in my opinion! Based on a 1930s case made by Parisian jeweller Verger Frères, with whom Vacheron Constantin worked with for many years, it is a clever variation of concealment and protection similar in function to that found on the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. I would not hesitate to add this beautiful 18ct rose/pink gold watch to your collection today, it is certainly a talking point!

Reference : 10002
Movement : Manually Wound Vacheron Cal. 1055
Age : Circa. 2002
Year : 2002
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 7mm
Lug to Lug : 36.5mm
Lugs : 15mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Service Box
Case Material : 18ct Rose/Pink Gold
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Born in Geneva, Jean-Marc Vacheron was the youngest of a master weaver’s five sons. Jean-Marc Vacheron created his watchmaking workshop at the age of 24. The company was founded on September 17, 1755. This makes it the world's oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. In 1810, Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron took over the business. His impact on the company saw Vacheron enter the world of great watchmakers. At that time, his workshop began making intricate and more complicated pieces, such as musical watches playing two melodies. Commercially, the company soon developed and expanded beyond Switzerland’s borders, first in neighbouring France and then in Italy. In 1819 François Constantin met with Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron. Both men came from Geneva, sharing a passion for stylish and complicated watches. The "Vacheron et Constantin" company was soon to be created. The American watch industry became evermore a threat; therefore, Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron decided to hand his business to his son in 1844. Charles-César Vacheron designed an efficient process for the factory and moved the business into new markets such as China, Spain, India and Cuba. 1906 saw the grand opening of the first Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Geneva. The great-grandnephew of François Constantin joined the business in 1914 after completing his studies at the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. During this time, the First World War broke out, and he was conscripted and sent to the northern border. Vacheron Constantin's models have been appreciated and worn by the Faruk of Egypt, the Shah of Iran and the Duke of Windsor, amongst many other famous characters over the years. In 1955, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its bi-centenary and, on this occasion, introduced the world’s thinnest watch movement, which was 1,64mm. Vacheron Constantin became the first watchmaking company to collect the rare and highly desirable “Diplôme Prestige de la France”, which recognised their talent in craftsmanship and design in 1972. A new production facility was built in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, as well as a renovation of the brand’s historical headquarters, now known as the “Maison Vacheron Constantin”. 2005 Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary.