The history of this Vacheron Constantin Carrée
This vintage Vacheron Constantin is reference 6290, a square dress watch produced in yellow gold and white gold around the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, the great watchmaking houses were competing to produce the thinnest movements, and Vacheron Constantin responded with the calibre 1003. Developed as early as 1952, it was unveiled in 1955 to mark the Maison’s bicentenary, with a height of 1.64 mm, making it one of the thinnest mechanical movements of its time. Rather than reserving it for round cases, the Maison also housed it in more architecturally designed shapes, such as this square Vacheron Constantin. The dial still bears the signature ‘Vacheron & Constantin Genève’, a period spelling featuring the ampersand, which is absent from the brand’s current name.
Case, calibre and strap of this Carrée
The square case in 18-carat white gold measures approximately 26 mm on each side. Its finely engraved bezel frames the dial, and four straight, detached lugs secure the strap. The screw-down caseback bears the 750 gold hallmark on the inside. The silver-coloured dial features 12 applied baton hour markers and two baton hands for the hours and minutes – the only indications provided by the calibre 1003. The fluted crown is positioned at 3 o’clock. This hand-wound movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 31 hours. Its engraved bridges indicate 17 jewels and regulation for temperature, isochronism and in five positions, and it bears the Geneva Seal. The watch is fitted with a burgundy leather strap with a lizard-grain finish, fastened with a pin buckle.
Why this Vacheron Constantin watch
This vintage Vacheron Constantin is aimed at the connoisseur of dress watches seeking a Geneva-hallmarked in-house calibre housed in a white gold case with period proportions. With a movement just 1.64 mm thick, the case retains a slim profile that slips easily under a shirt cuff. The silver dial, without a seconds hand or date, is easy to read at a glance and leaves plenty of space for the engraved bezel. Choosing this pre-owned Vacheron Constantin also means acquiring a case that has not been polished, with the engraving on the bezel and the edges remaining sharp and unsoftened by polishing.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied in a black leather Vacheron Constantin case, which is of a more recent generation than the watch itself. It has been worn and shows moderate signs of wear. The case, which has never been polished, shows micro-scratches, particularly on the caseback. The dial displays a few small, discreet spots of oxidation, visible at close quarters. The leather strap shows signs of wear on the lining and around the holes. The movement is in working order and has been checked by our partner watchmakers.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Good condition – Watch has been worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, wear marks, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
