47100, Chronograph Skeleton, Yellow Gold

This ref. 47100 was Vacheron Constantin's ultimate traditional 1990s manual chronograph, a Lemania 2310 ébauche fully skeletonized in a completely unique style with a classic stepped 38mm case. This was the apex of Vacheron Constantin's ability, debuting in 1991 alongside the ref. 47102, but using more contemporary circular pushers. Production stopped in 1992, leaving it available in the catalogue for just over year. The 47100 was only ever made in platinum and yellow gold, across both metals fewer than 100 examples were produced.

The 47100 has a quite unique style of skeletonization, where instead of floral motifs and simimlar sweeping openings we usual see, Vacheron Constantin opted for swirling wave engravings and hexagonal, geometrically fractal dial openings reminiscent of Arctic ice. This ornate style of skeletonization has earned it the nickname 'Iceberg', which makes inherent sense upon first louping. This is all performed on what is arguably the most storied chronograph ébauche of the 20th century, the Lemania 2310, frequently used by Patek Philippe also. In the succint words of Wei Koh, founder of Revolution Watch, 'The 2310 is the greatest Chronograph movement of all time.' This appearance of that architecture is one of the most laboriously handcrafted, with obvious care and love adorning each millimeter.

Its case is 38mm with welded lugs and an exhibition caseback. The rounded case main body features a single-step domed bezel integrated, with rounded pushers and signed crown. The case shape feels like a balanced and deliberate decision to blend traditional forms with contemporary tastes, a of the classic straight lug Vacheron case and more contemporary, pebble-smooth shapes. The 47100 was available with either these welded straight lugs or an integrated crosswoven bracelet.

The dial here is full opened and skeletonized, with keyless works, wheels, mainspring barrels and, the balance wheel on display. Its framed geometric openings are highly specific to this reference and fantastically sharp in person. The left subdial features running seconds, the right a 30-minute counter. The main hands a barrel-domed solid yellow gold, each individually hand finished. The subdial hands are contrasting steel, finished in the same overall shape.

The 47100 is a watch of immense effort and ability, uniquely integrating Vacheron Constantin's eye for proportion and detail in one well-judged case and ornately finished 2310. Just a handful of examples have resurfaced since the 1990s, it remains one of the more elusive great neo-vintage chronographs. In yellow gold on a strap, it is one of the most classically beautiful skeletonized chronographs that has ever been created, a traditional manual chronograph ever-so-slightly updated to contemporary proportions with its own take on finishing.

This 47100 presents in great overall condition. The case bears signs of occasional careful wear, with hairlines on the polished bezel but no serious marks. The caseback similarly has light signs of wear with surface scratches on the sapphire caseback and lug backs. Its hallmarks are deep and even. The calibre 1140 SQ in running well in specification on our timing equipment. The watch comes on its original strap with original buckle.

This watch is modelled on a relatively large 7.5 inch wrist.