An old 1003 that wants to come back!
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
Wow, Jerome, this is your version of the Ultra Thin!
Congrats, my friend, ...
You werent able to wait anymore, till the SIHH, for example?LOL
Nice catch...
Best.
Nicolas
Thanks Nicolas....
This one was to catch!
I may not stop there.....
See you soon.
Dje
Jerome, that's only a sign...
more look at it
1.64 mm high!
1959,
This message has been edited by Dje on 2008-03-24 09:46:33
I remember this one...
I remember when you got this one. A very beautiful example.
Yes the 1003 is still the thinnest in production, and a reliable one. Mine is still working after 48 hours in spite of its poor state and holding perfectly the time!
It will have to go soon to service but I'm enjoying it for the time being.
Cheers
Dje
Congratulations, Jerome!
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
Agreed Bill
I admit my heart goes to the older versions, even if the see-through back is a plus.
I'd still love to get a pink 33093.
Did I mention that my new toy comes directly from Boston!
Cheers
Dje
This is my baby
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
Thanks Harv
Yours is very beautiful too.
I hope to enjoy many 1003s for long years.
Cheers
Dje
My 4961
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
Another admirer of 1003 here...
But this beauty is not mine....i would not hesitate to own one though This beauty also houses the cal 1003.
Regards
Calibre 1003
That's a killer-watch...... VC skeletonized, absolutely beautiful.
I understand VC Calibre 1003 is re-coded as 2003 and used by AP. The latter does not have the Geneva Seal.
Best Regards - PeterZ
It was a JLC base calibre...
In fact it was long made by JLC for VC and AP.
It was named calibre 803 for JLC, but was never sold in JLC cases. It is not even sure a calibre 803 was ever produced!
It was indeed 1003 for VC and 2003 for AP.
Now the calibre is exclusive for VC and JLC has apparently transfered the production to VC, so that would be a real VC manufacture calibre.
Cheers
Dje
From the April 2008 issue of WatchTime....
This is great news.
I recommend the issue for all fans of VC.
Bill
The Geneva Seal...
What is curious is why Dje's watch doesn't have the Geneva Seals while so many examples do.
Bill
Many 1003 i've seen do not have the Geneva Seal. I do not know why either.
I guess it is just a marketing gimmick, no? Both with and without, the movement is a true slim hand winding movement and i dont think they differ at all I even saw one with Double Geneva Seal...go figure...
Regards
Congratulations Jerome, you have a beautiful watch
with an outstanding calibre. I have always been a fan of the cal. 1003/2003 and owned several iterations of it during the years. This one is my favourite evening watch.
Best regards,
Francesco
This message has been edited by FrancescoR on 2008-03-25 07:47:43
Wow...nicely decorated 1003...
Thanks for sharing. Quite a stunner you have there Nice classic.
Regards
Thank you Jacky.
Unfortunately the dial colour didn’t come out very well: it is off-white and not yellowish as it appears on the picture. Definitely I need to improve my photo skills.
Regards,
Francesco
This message has been edited by FrancescoR on 2008-03-27 04:58:49Do take more shots whenever you have time and share with us =)
Always a pleasure to see those beautifully decorated movements...cheers
Regards
Thanks Francesco...
Your watch is really gorgeous (even if not the most gorgeous of yours...
).Thanks for sharing.
Dje
Big congratulations, Jerome!
When I entered the VC world, here in this forum, I was told that, cal.1003 is a must have for every VC fan (not to say that it is in fact a must for any horological enthusiast!). A couple of years ago, I got my 33093, which is still one of the most important pieces in my humble stable.
Cheers and congratulations!
Jian
Thanks Jian...
I waited for my first 1003 for nearly 20 years.
I won't wait so long for a pink gold 33093!
Dje