1970s Vacheron Constantin Automatic 18ct Gold "Tank"

Here we have a beautiful 1970s Vacheron Constantin Automatic 18ct Gold "Tank" featuring a larger for the time 30.5mm 18ct Yellow Gold ‘Tank’ case. Its characteristic straight flanks extend the length of the case, incorporating the lugs, leading to a lug-to-lug length of 39mm and a case thickness of just 6mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right is a coin-edged signed crown. A flat crystal sits above an incredible vertical brushed, golden-hue dial. 18ct Yellow Gold Dauphine hands sit majestically in the centre. At 3 o'clock, a framed date window. At noon, the Vacheron Constantin motif and at 6 o'clock, ‘Automatic’ completes this sophisticated, incredibly thin dress watch. On the reverse, a snap-off 18ct Yellow Gold case back, inside an automatic Vacheron Cal. K1121, 36 jewels, beating at 19,800 beats per hour, based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 920, finished with the Geneva Seal (Hallmark of Geneva), 21ct yellow gold edged rotor, Côte de Genève. The watch comes paired on a well-suited leather strap and also comes with its original 19mm VC leather strap and VC 18ct yellow gold pin buckle.

This watch is sold “Watch Only” and therefore without its Vacheron Constantin box or paperwork. The watch comes paired on a well-suited leather strap and also comes with its original 19mm VC leather strap and VC 18ct yellow gold pin buckle. The watch is from Circa. Early 1970s and is sold in worn vintage condition, but overall very fair condition for its age, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

This is a beautifully restrained example of 1970s Vacheron at its best. The “Tank”-style case, slightly larger for the era yet just 6mm thin, wears with an effortless elegance that feels both refined and practical. The vertically brushed gold dial and Dauphine hands keep things clean and balanced, while the Calibre K1121 inside, finished to Geneva Seal standards, adds a layer of serious horological credibility. Understated, slim, and quietly impressive, exactly what a dress watch like this should be. Snap up this vintage gem today!

Reference : 44202
Movement : Automatic Vacheron Cal. K1121
Age : Circa. 1970s
Year : Circa. Early 1970s
Case Size : 30.5mm
Case Thickness : 6mm
Lug to Lug : 39mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : 18ct Yellow 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 ever more complicated pieces, such as musical watches that played 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 a threat evermore, 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 bicentenary and on this occasion introduced the world’s thinnest watch movement at 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”. In 2005, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary.