Vacheron Constantin QP 43031: Birth Year Watch

n0wjsti · 2023-04-05T18:22:52Z

Explore n0wjsti's journey to acquire a Vacheron Constantin QP 43031, his birth year watch from 1984, and delve into the nuances of neo-vintage perpetual calendars.

n0wjsti

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

28 replies8228 views2 photos

In the realm of luxury watch collecting, the 'birth year watch' quest holds a special allure, offering a tangible connection to a significant personal milestone. n0wjsti embarks on this journey, sharing his decade-long pursuit for a timepiece from 1984. His discovery of the Vacheron Constantin QP 43031 not only fulfills this personal quest but also highlights the historical significance of perpetual calendars during the quartz crisis.

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For nearly a decade, I have had romantic notions of embarking on the quest to find an appropriate birth year watch. At long last... I think I can put an end to this. The year in question is 1984 -- and since my interest in watches started from the Submariner and Speedmaster, I naturally kicked off from that starting point. It was a transitional year for the Submariner and for the Speedmaster... well, just nothing significant. I continued to search for watches in 1984 and came across many beautiful watches. Just nothing that seemed to have enough "meaning" for me.

Over the last 18 months, I'd been reading more about neo vintage watches and was interested in the offerings from AP, VC and PP. Specifically, their perpetual calendar watches; with AP introducing their QP in 1978, VC in 1983 and PP in 1985. In the dawning era of quartz watches, it felt like the rebellion's move to introduce ultra-thin, automatic perpetual calendars.

I am certain there are experts in here who can guide me further and explain what I have just bought, but what initially attracted me to this watch was the extract of archives dating it to 1984. This is an early "Swiss" only dial with a champagne dial (which is also more visually attractive to me). I understand that later versions had several variations which includes "sigma Swiss sigma", "Automatic" and addition of the Maltese cross (amongst other small details). Also, with VC, the 1120QP (which is a JLC 920 ébauche with Depraz perpetual calendar module) displays a 48 month sub-dial that also tracks leap year (unlike the AP 25657 equivalent which shares many similar underpinnings). This is the less conventional display of a perpetual calendar but, if I'm not mistaken, this difference also results in a slightly slimmer watch.

Of course, I was also keen on the fact that production numbers were small; an estimated of just 2,300 perpetual calendar watches over 23 years (1983 to 2006) of production -- nearly 3x less than both AP and PP. My grail birth year watch is actually the VC 43032 (skeletonized version of the same watch, produced by VC from 1984) but with today's astronomical prices, I simply have to be realistic

Thank you for taking the time to read. It is a little past 2am here and I am still processing this... but I have a feeling I'll fall asleep soon with a smile on my face.

About the Vacheron Constantin Malte Ref. 43031

The Vacheron Constantin reference 43031 is a perpetual calendar model, distinguished by its ultra-thin profile and classic aesthetic. This reference is part of the Traditionnelle collection, known for its adherence to traditional watchmaking principles and refined complications. It represents a significant offering for collectors seeking a sophisticated perpetual calendar with a focus on understated design and technical prowess within the brand's extensive catalog.

This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38.6 mm in diameter. It houses the automatic caliber 1326, which provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance, and offers a water resistance of 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The silver dial complements the white gold case, maintaining a cohesive and legible presentation.

The reference 43031 appeals to collectors who value traditional high horology and the intricate mechanics of a perpetual calendar complication. Its production period from 2003 to 2015 places it within a specific era of Vacheron Constantin's modern output, making it a notable piece for those interested in the brand's evolution of complicated timepieces. The combination of an ultra-thin movement and a perpetual calendar function underscores its technical merit and enduring appeal.

Specifications

Caliber: 1326

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 38.6 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Vacheron Constantin 43031 and Audemars Piguet 5548 perpetual calendars share a similar 7.2mm thickness, indicating that the difference in perpetual calendar modules does not significantly impact the overall slimness of the watch.
Finding a platinum version of the VC 43031 or its skeletonized counterpart, the 43032, from 1984 would be exceptionally challenging due to the limited production of complications in precious metals other than gold during that era.
The skeletonized Vacheron Constantin 43032, produced from 1984, is considered a grail for many collectors, including the original author, despite its current astronomical market value.
The concept of a 'birth year' item extends beyond watches to other luxury goods like fine wine or vintage cars, though modern versions often offer superior performance or reliability.
The Vacheron Constantin 43032 is noted to wear slightly better than the Audemars Piguet 25657/8, which has shorter lugs, a key consideration for wrist comfort.
The appeal of a birth year watch is a personal preference, with some collectors prioritizing the sentimental value of a period-correct piece over the advancements of modern horology.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

Apr 5, 2023

1984!

My birth year as well, so I am massively biased coming into this conversation . What a phenomenal piece from VC, I couldn't imagine a better choice myself.... And yes, I totally agree with you that the sublime skeletonized version would truly be a grail for me as well.... Nevertheless, a brilliant choice. Wear it with pride and enjoyment!! Cheers to 1984, Filip

n0wjsti

Apr 5, 2023

Cheers

...to a fantastic 39!

TeutonicCarFan

Apr 5, 2023

I'd pick that as well

Definitely a sucker for a nice VC. Birth year is intriguing, I had wanted a birth year porsche 930 but not sure I want the hassle of an old turbo 🤷‍♂️

n0wjsti

Apr 5, 2023

I don't know if I would venture into old motors

But what do I know, having bought two old E36s from the 90s...

patrick_y

Apr 5, 2023

So wait, you bought two 1984 VC Perpetual Calendars?

Congrats! Now, make sure you get a birth year case of nice wine (probably a case of nice Californian Cabernet Sauvignon Napa wine and a nice French Bordeaux First Growth wine). Some people who are really into cars even try to get a birth year car (one friend got a birth year Mercedes 600 as he already had two Porsches) - I don't recommend this - I think this is silly - the modern cars are so much better! Big congrats and thank you for sharing your journey with us. Happy Birthday!

n0wjsti

Apr 5, 2023

I wish!

VC 43032 belongs to a friend; had the good fortune of trying it on Q3 last year. It cemented my opinion that it wore a little bit better than the AP 25657/8 which has shorter lugs). I don't really drink wine, so that would be wasted on me, but cars... I love how older cars sound ;-)