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A Little Off Centre.
In the early 1970s, Vacheron Constantin received the Diplôme Prestige de la France, an award recognizing the manufacture’s expertise. They marked it with a watch that gave people something to discuss. The 18k yellow gold case leans to one side, narrows as it goes, and curves around the wrist. It looks unusual in a photograph and remarkably natural once you put it on.
The shape is the main event, but this black dial deserves its own moment. Lighter dials are much easier to find on the Prestige de la France; against this one, the gold dauphine hands and applied Maltese cross stand out beautifully. With no numerals competing for space, your eye goes straight to the case and the slim sweep of the hands. The black cabochon on the crown is a small touch that ties it all together.
There is some lovely engineering behind that shape. The manual-wound movement keeps the watch slim, while the curved case follows the wrist instead of sitting flat on top of it. Vacheron managed to make a case that is both asymmetrical and curved without making it difficult to wear. That is harder to pull off than it looks.
On the back, the engraved laurel wreath and the words “Prestige de la France” bring you back to the award that started it. Collectors have plenty of affection for unusual cases from Cartier and Gilbert Albert-era Patek Philippe. This Vacheron belongs in that conversation, with a black dial that makes its own case rather persuasively.
The watch presents excellent overall.
The 18k yellow gold case shows light surface wear and retains its curved, asymmetrical profile.
The black dial remains perfect and clearly signed, with its applied Maltese cross intact.
The gold hands and crystal present well with light signs of wear.
The caseback retains its Prestige de la France laurel engraving and serial numbers.
The black leather strap has little to no wear. It is fitted with an 18k yellow gold buckle.
The manual-wound movement is keeping good time and will be inspected by our watchmaker before shipping in accordance with our warranty standards.
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