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The Saltarello Prototype
Coming to auction next November (Phillips "Decade One 2015-2025", November 8, 2025) is this very unique timepiece: the Vacheron Constantin Saltarello Prototype.
The development for the Saltarello ref. 43041, combining a jump hour complication with retrograde minutes, started in 1994 with the present prototype being finalised in 1995/1996.
This "brake system", visible through an aperture on the dial, was abandoned on the production pieces, making this prototype very unique.
The hand guilloché dial is also quite different from the regular production pieces as the applied gold numerals and markers and even the logo have hand polished rounded tops whereas regular production pieces were flat.
A regular production example, for comparison.
The prototype was first cased in a gold plated case engraved Test N°1 on the caseback and between the lugs.
The hand guilloché dial is also quite different from the regular production pieces as the applied gold numerals and markers and even the logo have hand polished rounded tops whereas regular production pieces were flat.
A regular production example, for comparison.
The prototype was first cased in a gold plated case engraved Test N°1 on the caseback and between the lugs.
In 2000 Vacheron Constantin made an 18k yellow gold case specially for the watch engraved Pièce Unique.
Another difference with the regular production examples is the fact that the rotor, and not only the winding mass, is in colored gold.
Another difference with the regular production examples is the fact that the rotor, and not only the winding mass, is in colored gold.
Below: a regular production example, for comparison.
credit: Phillips, @watchesbylogan (3) & Sotheby's (last photo only)
The Saltarello prototype has been consigned directly by the watchmaker who developed the Saltarello for Vacheron Constantin.
The Saltarello was officially launched in 1998 and made in 100 pieces in yellow gold and 200 pieces in pink and white gold each.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
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The Saltarello Prototype
Coming to auction next November (Phillips "Decade One 2015-2025", November 8, 2025) is this very unique timepiece: the Vacheron Constantin Saltarello Prototype . The development for the Saltarello ref. 43041 , combining a jump hour complication with retro...
The Vacheron Constantin Saltarello Prototype really is a beautiful and classy looking watch.
I think the case shape is really nice and the dial is just stunning, but the effect of the rounded numerals when compared to the flat ones is just so much nicer looking as it appears to give it more depth. The only surprise to me on this watch seeing as w...
Yes, the wear of the case is surprising.
I guess it can be considered Neo-vintage. And the Saltarello is definitely a milestone in VC's development. Best, Emmanuel
I didn’t knew this one existed.
Here’s my regular model, now gone but very much missed! ...
You were lucky to have such a great watch!
I'm not completely sure about this prototype, but I think it's the first time it surfaces. Best, Emmanuel
Very cool.
Always thought this was a super cool and off the run watch from VC. There’s something about watches like this that are non standard or usual for the manufacture. There are a couple of owners here; I recall seeing some over the years. Thanks for the educat...
My pleasure, Jay.
I haven't seen one in real life yet, but hopefully someday! Best, Emmanuel
That's a very high ranking and I certainly understand why.
It will be interesting to see how this one sells next November. Best, Emmanuel
It's classy as hell and has a gorgeous case and a very legible, interesting way to read the time...
...a slight downgrade for the round movement, but it is a great one : )
Yes! I’d be interested to know why they decided to abandon
the brake mechanism and front aperture. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for showcasing the prototype 🙌🏻👌🏻👍🏻
I am a huge fan of the Saltarello generally, almost irrespective of case material. I have to say that the standard production one without the dial cutout appeals to me a tad more, on spite of the uniqueness of the prototype 😊
My pleasure!
I’m not fond of dial cutouts, so I would probably feel like you. However, this particular cutout is very discreet and well implemented, so I find it hard to tell how I would feel when comparing them in real life (which will never happen anyway). Best, Emm...
But I hope I'll one day have the chance to see a regular Saltarello!
Have you seen one yourself?
Now I am not sure 😊🤷🏻♂️
Hopefully one day, even I had seen it seeing it again would be great 👍🏻🤞🏻
Oh, great! Lucky you!
And warm welcome to WatchProSite: it’s quite a stunning first post! Best regards, Emmanuel