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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Retrograde calendar wristwatch

Vacheron & Constantin Les Complications Rétro 245 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin "Les Complications Rétro 245" wristwatch, reference 47245, carries movement number 722229 and dates to the 1990s. The piece is housed in a polished, three-body 18K white gold case measuring 37 mm in diameter, featuring a stepped bezel, rounded band, and fluted lugs. The case back is transparent and secured with screws. The matte silver dial exhibits applied white gold dot indices and Roman numerals, with an auxiliary sub-dial for the days of the week at the 6 o'clock position and a retrograde calendar sector positioned below the 12 o'clock hour. It is powered by the self-winding Caliber 1126/1, a rhodium-plated movement with 36 jewels and a 21K gold rotor segment. The movement incorporates a straight-line lever escapement and is adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism, and five positions. The watch is accompanied by an 18K white gold branded buckle.

The Vacheron & Constantin Les Complications Rétro 245, showing the matte silver dial with the retrograde date sector and day sub-dial.
The Vacheron & Constantin Les Complications Rétro 245, showing the matte silver dial with the retrograde date sector and day sub-dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Retrograde calendar wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
47245
Catalogue / lot identifier
48
Source-reported date
1990s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
722229

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch features a polished three-body case crafted from 18K white gold. Its architectural elements include a stepped bezel, a rounded band, and distinct fluted straight lugs. The back of the case is transparent, allowing a view of the movement, and is held in place with screws.

The matte silver dial is organized with a retrograde sector for the day of the month positioned below the 12 o'clock index. A subsidiary dial located at the 6 o'clock position displays the day of the week. Time is indicated by white gold Bâton hands against a backdrop of applied white gold dot indices and Roman numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. three-body, solid, polished, transparent back with screws, stepped bezel, rounded band, fluted straight lugs.”
  • “D. matte silver with applied white gold dot indexes and Roman numerals, auxiliary dial for the day of the week at 6, sector for the day of the month retrograde calendar below the 12.”

Movement and Mechanics

The movement is the self-winding Caliber 1126/1. It is finished with rhodium plating and features fausses-côtes decoration across its bridge plates. The mechanism operates at a 38-hour power reserve and includes a 21K gold rotor segment to facilitate automatic winding.

Technical features include a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance that has been adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism, and five positions. The movement is equipped with a shock-absorber system and a self-compensating flat balance-spring to maintain precision.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 1126/1, rhodium-plated, ?fausses-côtes? decoration, 36 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions,hock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, 21K gold rotor segment.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description provides a grading for the watch, identifying it as having a 'Very good' overall status.

The watch is reported as signed on the dial, case, and movement, confirming its official manufacturing origin. It is presented with an 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin buckle, which aligns with the material of the watch case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 2 Very good Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 2 - 01”

Open research questions

  • What specific month and year in the 1990s was this individual serial number produced?
  • Was this reference produced in any other precious metal configurations during the same production period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Les Complications Rétro 245 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Reference47245“Ref. 47245”
Case Material18K white gold“18K white gold gentleman's wristwatch”
Caliber1126/1“M. Cal. 1126/1”
Jewels36“36 jewels”
Case Diameter37 mm“Diam. 37 mm”
FunctionsDay and retrograde date“day and retrograde date”
Production period1990s“Produced inthe 1990's.”

Visible details

  • Applied white gold indices and Roman numerals
  • Retrograde date display arranged in a sector
  • Day of the week sub-dial at the bottom of the dial
  • Fluted straight lugs visible on the case

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of production within the 1990s is not specified
  • The internal condition of the movement is subject to the auction house's recommendation for an overhaul

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Les Complications Rétro 245", No. 722229, Ref. 47245. Produced inthe 1990's.Fine self-winding, water-resistant, 18K white gold gentleman's wristwatch with day and retrograde date, 38 hours autonomy and an 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin buckle.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7664fae866

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.