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!

A huge and nice 31 mm case from the best simple Vacheron Constantin style

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!

Or should I write Vacheron & Constantin dear Doc

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

A really thin watch

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.

Is there really something inside

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

So that you have a reference

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…

A first generation 1003

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

This one has suffered a lot

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

Dje