Vacheron Constantin Bracelet Watch

AH! A TTVC with a JLC movement! (Teeny Tiny Vacheron Constantin with a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement). This stunning watch would appear – from a short distance – a simple, white gold bracelet. But look closer! There’s a teeny tiny watch punctuating the links. We don’t know much about the origin of this watch, but it came about during a time when jewelry watches were quite common for women. But rather than being overly bejeweled or delicate, this bossy little watch comes on a bracelet that has proven to withstand the test of time, wearing quite modern. It’s hot with any outfit, elevating a jeans/tshirt look or complementing a MET Gala gown (a girl can dream). Read about the history between Vacheron and the mini Jaeger-LeCoultre movement below to brush up on your horology. We love a collab. 

THE BASICS 

DATE OF BIRTH: Circa 1960’s

MATERIAL: 18k white gold

SIZE: Bracelet size 6” 

MOVEMENT: Jaeger-LeCoultre Duo Plan

CONDITION: Excellent, unpolished

BOX/PAPERS: No/No

THE NITTY GRITTY: 

A watch that is stunning for both its artistic beauty and for the fact that, beneath this tiny and exquisitely made case, lies a mechanical movement. The watch is made by Vacheron Constintin, the world’s oldest watchmaker, and is powered by a movement that holds the record for the smallest watch movement ever made. This was a movement that has been worn by many of the world’s most interesting and fashion forward: from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Tyler the Creator. A reason that this movement it was favoured for jewelled watches such as this is not just its size, but also the fact that the winding crown is located on the back of the watch. This enables a beautiful bracelet form to be created without any interruptions on the sides.  

The watch is a simply stunning white gold bracelet, made in the “brick” link form which subtly rises up in the center to house a minute watch dial. So small is it that there is no room even for the manufacturer's name to be stamped onto it! This also makes it more elegant to the eye. Just clean and simple, with white gold ball shaped markers and white gold hands.

The movement inside is, as mentioned, made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. JLC was the only watchmaker in the world with the skill and competency to execute such a delicate and precise movement.  Therefore, when required, other watchmakers, such as Vacheron or Cartier, would purchase the base and decorate the plate accordingly. Developed in 1925, it really was quite revolutionary. To find one in a Vacheron-made watch is also very rare. This is hand engraved on the back with the Vacheron signature, along with all the appropriate Swiss assay poinçon.  

The condition overall is superb. The watch has been exceptionally well cared for. The dial appears to be original and not refinished, which sadly is often the case with these earlier watches as sealing is always an issue. The dial appears to have its original beautiful black enamel marks for the hours, and the ball markers do not appear to have been removed and reapplied. The quality of the bracelet manufacturing is gorgeous, and it feels like silk on the wrist. The only downside to this watch is the length of the bracelet is only 6 inches. So, please measure your wrist before purchasing this piece of watchmaking history.