Vacheron Constantin Time-Only 39005

1970s Vacheron Constantin Dress Watch In Stainless Steel With 'Sigma Dial'

Why This Watch Matters An unassuming Vacheron in steel with a "Sigma Dial," what more could you need? The Full Story Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker, with production extending all the way back to 1755. It is considered part of the "Holy Trinity" of Swiss watchmaking, with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. The brand has always maintained its uncompromising pursuit of perfection on the inside and out of every timepiece to be released over the past 265 years. This thin, large-wearing case is just so classy and understated. The silver sunburst dial is free of any luminous material because if you're wearing a watch this good, who needs to know what time it is in the dark? So long as the sun or a light is shining on the dial, you should be able to make out a nice little detail here. Tucked below the hour marker at six o'clock are a couple of circle-like symbols. These Sigma symbols are most often associated with watches produced in the 1970s, to indicate that the hour markers and hands of a watch were made of gold – in this case, white gold. It was an effort by the Swiss watch industry trade association, l’Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l'Or (APRIOR), to emphasize the value of Swiss watches using any gold material. This Sigma designation can be seen in other timepieces around the same time, such as on the dial of a Patek Philippe Nautilus. It is really difficult to describe how this Vacheron wears. While it is certainly clear in the 4.9mm thickness that the watch wears thin, the 35mm case diameter does not do justice to how large this wears on the wrist. It is something to do with that thinness and how close it hugs the wrist, this watch is really quite special in the metal. We paired this VC with our Marbled Navy Blue Calfskin Watch Strap as the dark blue and silver dial work so well together. The Fine Print Maker: Vacheron Constantin Model: Time only Reference: 39005 Year: 1970s Case No: 532368 Movement No: 698053 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 4.9mm thickness Crystal: Sapphire Lume: No Caliber: Vacheron Constantin, manually-wound, caliber 1015 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Marbled Navy Blue Calfskin Watch Strap Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Stainless steel, super thin case - Starburst textured Sigma dial - Wrist hugging shape with thin bezel Things To Know: - Scratches on case - Light wear on dial The watch is in overall excellent condition. The case remains strong with some light scratches from regular wear. The case appears to be lightly polished in the past. The caseback retains its original finish and the case number is still visible. The case has a bit of wear on the edge of the caseback at 12 and six o'clock. There are light scratches to the rear of the lugs from strap changing. The dial and hands are in great condition, with a touch of very light patina across the board. The edge of the dial shows some patina around 10 and 12 o'clock. The dial is overall clean with a few minor imperfections. The dial, case, crown, and movement are signed by Vacheron. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.