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!

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!

It arrived just
5 hours ago but it seems to work fine and be precise enough to be usable.

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.

Although the
watch is just 31mm large it is much enough for my wrist (I'll make wrists
shots later).

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…

One screw
fixing the calibre to the case is broken. Yes but it is a real ultra thin and
it is working!

I hope to show
you sometimes a more glamorous view on this one.
Dje