Vintage
Dje's 2008 post introduces his acquisition of a vintage Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1003, a movement celebrated for its ultra-thin profile and historical significance. Despite its worn condition, Dje's enthusiasm for the piece and his intention to restore it highlight the enduring appeal of this legendary caliber among collectors. The discussion delves into the movement's technical marvel and its place in horological history.
We are many
admirers of the already historical calibre 1003 here. Bill teased us only a few
hours ago with this landmark in Vacheron Constantin's prestige.
I was glad to
receive this morning my first 1003 after years and years of waiting.
Please be
careful. If you don't feel able to stand pictures of a calibre that has
had a long and difficult life, you'd better look elsewhere!
If you feel you
can stand the worse, have a look below!
A huge and nice 31 mm case from the best simple Vacheron Constantin style
I've
always thought I would get one someday as they are a very affordable door to
the VC world. As this one is not in the best state it may not be my last, what
is good news. 
Still the price
paid was low enough to make me happy and let me hope that a Vacheron Constantin
service would make it brighter!
Or should I write Vacheron & Constantin dear Doc
It arrived just
5 hours ago but it seems to work fine and be precise enough to be usable.
A really thin watch
The strap is of
nice quality but doesn't fit the watch. It is too thick, has a curved
profile and should be better replaced by a flat one.
Is there really something inside
Although the
watch is just 31mm large it is much enough for my wrist (I'll make wrists
shots later).
So that you have a reference
The calibre
works fine so but has suffered a lot. The barrel lacks four teeth! The bridges
show numerous marks and hairlines, if not more…
A first generation 1003
One screw
fixing the calibre to the case is broken. Yes but it is a real ultra thin and
it is working!
This one has suffered a lot
I hope to show
you sometimes a more glamorous view on this one.
Dje
Congrats, my friend, ... You werent able to wait anymore, till the SIHH, for example?LOL Nice catch... Best. Nicolas
Jerome, that's only a sign of that you opened it, about 10.000 times, to have one more look at it Beautiful watch Movement, for those who doesn't know is only 1.64 mm high! Still record Have a look at my pocket watch from 1959, with the same Cal. 1003, it's not fat either ! Cheers Doc This message has been edited by Dje on 2008-03-24 09:46:33
Some of the details that I like on your watch are the lugs, the classic way the dial is signed (enamel), and the polished cap on escape wheel cock, a detail that VC dropped along the way. It is certainly plainer in my watch: I do hope that VC can help "make it new" for you. It pains me to see that ratchet wheel missing more teeth than a 70's era hockey player. I hope the broken teeth aren't rattling around in there trying to make mischief. Bill
Dear DJE I am not a good photographer so am attaching a professional photo that I once found. The case is rose gold and the dial is sort of iridescent silver. The entire watch is about 5 mm high. I love the way the bezel wraps around the crown. My taste runs to the thin classics rather than the boiler gauges that are in vogue today, which makes this 1003 my favorite watch. I am sure you will enjoy yours for a long time. Harv This message has been edited by Harv on 2008-03-23 06:54:21
Hi, Yours is very beautiful too. I hope to enjoy many 1003s for long years. Cheers Dje
Hello All, Here is a picture of my VC Ref. 4961 with Cal 1003. It is a nice watch that you can wear everyday. Look at these beautiful lugs...... Best Regards - PeterZ
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