Vacheron Constantin The Golden Age of Elegant Mechanics｜Vacheron Constantin Ref. 47001 Automatic Chronograph｜Serviced, Watch Only Ref.47001

Introduced in 1989, the Vacheron Constantin Ref. 47001 represents a pivotal chapter in the maison’s transition into the modern era of automatic chronographs. Powered by the Cal. 1126—based on a Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauche and paired with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module—this reference marks Vacheron Constantin’s second major interpretation of the chronograph since its pocket-watch era.
More than a technical milestone, the Ref. 47001 stands at the crossroads between tradition and modernity. It reflects the moment when classical hand-wound chronograph architecture gave way to modular automatic construction, while still preserving the purity and precision characteristic of late-1980s Vallée de Joux watchmaking.
Produced for only around three years, with total production estimated at just over one thousand pieces, the Ref. 47001 is housed in a beautifully proportioned 38 mm 18k yellow gold case. Its stepped bezel flows with soft, measured lines, and time has imparted the gold with a warm, honey-toned patina that enhances both its elegance and collectability. The white honeycomb dial, balanced by three restrained chronograph sub-dials, speaks a distinctly classical design language. The contrast between blued steel chronograph hands and applied gold indices adds depth, rhythm, and visual refinement to the composition.
As part of the Chronograph Historique lineage, the Ref. 47001 stands as a witness to an era when watchmaking had not yet been fully overtaken by industrialized mass production—when each watch still carried the unmistakable traces of human touch and hand-finished craft.
The example presented here is in excellent overall condition. The movement has been fully serviced by our workshop, with all functions operating correctly and timekeeping performing accurately. It is offered with a one-year service warranty from our workshop.