Vacheron Constantin Rectangular Steel Dress Watch

Simple doesn’t have to mean boring—and this watch by Vacheron Constantin proves it.

As a member of the Holy Trinity of watch brands, Vacheron Constantin is generally less understood than either of its respected compatriots. VC has a legacy of producing some of the very finest high horology complications in history - and some of the loveliest.

Sports watches came later to VC, as pressure from the new ‘luxury sports watch’ category introduced in the early 1970s forced the storied brand to evolve — but historically, classically styled dress pieces is where Vacheron cut their teeth.

This particular piece, a dress watch dating to circa the 1930s-1940s, features a gorgeous 23mm rectangular case with gorgeous beveled lugs and an acrylic crystal, and a satin silver dial with gold-foil ‘Arabic’ indices, a matching blued-steel ‘sword’ handset, an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, and a sub-seconds display above 6 o’clock. 

Powered by Vacheron Constnatin's Calibre 435/3C hand-cranking movement, this fabulously cool timepiece comes fitted to one of our Analog:Shift brown alligator-pattern leather straps with a steel pin buckle.

You'd be forgiven for mistaking this piece for a Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso at first glance, which is no insult, but this fantastically cool watch hails from one of the most stories houses in watchmaking and offers its own take on the rectangular watch shape, particularly popular at this point in time.

With timelessly appealing looks, pedigree to rival the very best, and a versatile size — wear it today with everything from a suit or other formalwear to a t-shirt and jeans; it's all fair game, and there is no saying when another will surface again.

Few watchmakers can claim a lineage as long or as rich as that of Vacheron Constantin.
Established in 1755, the manufacture soon had a reputation for the elegance of its products, which included pocket watches with complicated movements and engine-turned dials. Even today, these are marks of a watchmaker’s expertise due to the skill and precision involved in crafting them. For Vacheron Constantin to have achieved such a feat in the eighteenth century is nothing short of remarkable.
This expertise carried the firm through the 19th century, earning it gold medals at National Exhibitions and blazing trails in the area of anti-magnetic timepieces. The 20th century saw further achievements, such as the opening of its boutique on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it still resides today.

Even through the Depression and the Second World War, when many watch companies were forced to band together with competitors or else face closure, the manufacture continued to thrive. Whether via its vintage-inspired Historiques collection or its adventurous Overseas line, modern Vacheron Constantin is a horological force to be reckoned with.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.