Vacheron Constantin is known for producing some of the world’s thinnest timepieces, and for 2010 they are introducing two new wristwatches in the Historiques collection that confirm the brand’s expertise in the arena of the ultra-thin. The Historique Ultra-fine 1955 measures only 4.1mm thick, making it the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch. The Historique Ultra-fine 1968 is a square, ultra-thin automatic.
The 36mm 1955 is presented in 4N 18k pink gold. Though an homage to the past, the 1955 is a modern design with 30 meter water resistance, a sapphire display back, and a titanium casing circle to improve the rigidity of this wisp for the wrist. Beneath the opaline silver-colored gold dial lies caliber 1003, which at a mere 1.64mm is the world’s thinnest. To celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2010, the movement has been reborn with 18k gold mainplate and bridges. The 21.1mm-diameter movement consists of 117 parts and beats at 18,000 vph. Hand-applied decoration includes Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering, earning the caliber the Hallmark of Geneva.
The square 1968 is similarly crafted from 4N 18k pink gold. It measures 35.2mm in diameter, and at 5.5mm, it is even thinner than its predecessor. It houses automatic caliber 1120, measuring 28mm in diameter and 2.45mm thick. The new 18k gold oscillating weight bears Vacheron’s trademark Maltese cross. Movement finishing features Côtes de Genève, bevelling and chamfering on all parts, and hand-drawn flanks. Caliber 1120 also displays the Hallmark of Geneva.
Technical data for both models appears below the images, which can be enlarged with a click.
Historique Ultra-fine 1968 (left) and Historique Ultra-fine 1955
Historique 1955 viewed edge-on
Vacheron Constantin Caliber 1003, resplendent in gold
TECHNICAL DATA
Reference: Historique Ultra-fine 1955, 33155/000R-9588
The World’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch measuring just 4.10 mm thick to date
Movement: 1003, rebuilt in 18-carat gold for its 55th anniversary in 2010. Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva. Mechanical, manual-winding. The thinnest in the world at just 1.64 mm thick
Thickness of movement: 1.64 mm
Diameter of movement: 20.80 mm
Jewels: 18
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations/hour
Indications: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: More than 30 hours
Case: 18 carat 4N rose gold
Diameter: 36.00 mm.
Thickness: 4.1 mm
Water resistance: 3 bar, equivalent to 30 meters
Dial: 18 carat gold, silvered opaline, mirror-polished Maltese Cross and indexes
Strap Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished. Square-shape scales alligator leather.
Clasp: Buckle in 18 carat 4N rose gold, polished half Maltese Cross
TECHNICAL DATA
Reference: Historique Ultra-fine 1968, 43043/000R-9592
Movement: 1120, Vacheron Constantin. Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Energy: Mechanical, self-winding
Height of movement: 2.45 mm
Diameter of movement: 28.00 mm
Jewels: 36
Frequency: 19,800 vibrations/hour
Indications: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: More than 40 hours
Case: 18 carat 4N rose gold, square-shaped 35.2 x 35.2 mm, thickness: 5.5 mm
Water resistance: 3 bar, equivalent to 30 meters
Dial: Silvered, 18 carat black finished indexes, mirror-polished Maltese Cross
Strap: Black hand-stitched, saddle-finished, square-shape scales alligator leather.
Clasp: Buckle in 18 carat 4N rose gold, polished half Maltese
