Vacheron Constantin 33059

I waited one year for VC to build this watch.  From the Metiers d'Art collection, It is prominent on their web site but is limited to just a few per year and, as I understand, only to order.  This is an openworked caliber 1003 SQ, the thinnest in the world.  It is concealed within a $20 gold piece.  It is too clever.  To hold it is to be placed under its spell.  You'll definitely want a good loupe or a microscope to enjoy this one.

The following information was sent to me from the manufacture.

The skeleton $20 coin watch, reference 33059, is actually inspired by a pocket watch Vacheron Constantin created in the late 40s based on the same principle. In the late 1950s Vacheron created their first wristwatch where the watch was actually placed in a $20 gold coin. New references utilizing this same principle were created throughout the decades until the late 1990s. At that time Vacheron Constantin decided to skeletonize the dial and thus create this current incarnation.

Two $20 coins are used for the case construction. The first is drilled and the movement is then fitted into it becoming the case. The second coin is then cut and fitted atop the case to act as the cover. $20 coins are used because they have the necessary size and thickness as to serve as a "watch case" and are available in sufficient numbers as to create the timepieces.