-Specifications

Brand
Vacheron Constantin
Model
Phidias
Reference
49001
Year
1990s
Movement
Automatic Cal.1136
Case
35mm
Material
18K Yellow Gold
Bracelet
VC Signed 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Bracelet Length
Approx 17.2cm
Includes
Watch and Bracelet Only
Box/Papers
No
Notes
The watch has been completely serviced by our watchmaker recently
Warranty
1-year Mechanical Warranty by us
Shipping
Global shipping via FedEx International Priority

-Description

Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is considered to be the oldest watch manufacturer in the world that has been in continuous operation since its founding.

Along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, it is considered one of the three leading luxury watchmakers in the world and continues to produce timepieces that are both technically and artistically superior.

Phidias is a luxury sports watch that predates the Overseas. It came after the legendary 222, which was reissued, and its successor, the 333.

The name comes from the ancient Greek architect and painter Phidias, who was responsible for building the famous Parthenon.

In terms of design, the watch has a curved appearance, as if the bezel with the Maltese Cross had been removed from the original Overseas. The bracelet is slightly thinner than that of the Overseas.

Reference 49001 is a chronograph watch in the Phidias collection. Approximately 400 were produced in yellow gold and 630 in a steel and yellow gold combination. The series remained in the catalogue until 1995.

This example has an 18k yellow gold case and bracelet and a white enamel dial, a combination rarely seen.

The case size is 35mm, which is numerically the same as the medium size of the original Overseas, but the simplicity of the bezel design makes this one look slightly smaller in comparison.

There is no border between the case and the bracelet, giving the watch a strong sense of unity with the bracelet.

The bracelet finish is particularly impressive. It is a complex combination of polished and hairline finishes. Please check the photos.

The dial, as mentioned above, is a white enamelled dial. When the light hits it, you can see the glossy effect and the black letters seem to stand out.

This white enamelled dial can be seen on steel and gold combination models, but most gold models have a champagne dial, which is a very rare variation.

The movement is the self-widing Cal.1136, based on the Frederique Piguet Cal.1185, the thinnest movement in the world at the time. It was used not only by Vacheron but also by Audemars Piguet, Blancpain and Chopard.
The bracelet can be shortened by removing apart a few links.