Vacheron Constantin Celebrates First Paris Store With 1972 Prestige Timepiece

Luxury watchmakers Vacheron Constantin are celebrating the opening of their first boutique in Paris, France, by revisiting one of their most iconic timepieces. In honor of their new boutique at 2 Rue de la Paix, a new men’s model called the 1972 Prestige has been unveiled, with the famed balanced asymmetry and ultra-thin mechanical movement now in white gold. In a nod to its history, the new 1972 Prestige is embellished with the Prestige de la France engraving seen on the caseback of the original.

This timepiece takes its strength and balance from the principles of the golden section. For example, the dimension of the longest side of the case, divided by the length of the sapphire crystal on the opposite side, equals 1.618 – the famous golden rule that appears in everything from the facade of the Parthenon in Athens to Le Corbusier’s Modulor. Beginning with a 25mm x 47mm case of white gold, this timepiece has a cambered profile that reiterates the arched dial and sapphire crystal. A grey satin-finished sunburst dial features subtle chevron motifs accentuated by two 18K 5N pink gold dauphine hands.

At the heart of this timepiece beats the Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1003 mechanical movement. Developed beginning in 1952, this remains the thinnest mechanical hand-wound movement on the market at only 1.64 mm thick. The bridges and plate are made of 18K gold, with 117 components working at a frequency of 18,000 vph, affording this timepiece a power reserve of over 30 hours. Attention to detail is tantamount, with a Côtes de Genève motif, circular graining and bevelling of the components, and drawing of the steel parts done entirely by hand. The famous Poinçon de Genève (Hallmark of Geneva) stamps this model as a unique creation of quality. A brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with an 18K white gold buckle and polished half Maltese cross completes the look.

Only 40 pieces of this limited-edition model will be produced.

The new Vacheron Constantin boutique is located at 2, rue de la Paix, Paris, France, 75002. For more information, call +33 1 40 20 17 55 or visit their website. Photos courtesy Vacheron Constantin.