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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch

Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 43031 Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin gentleman's wristwatch, reference 43031, dates to the 1980s. The watch features a massive platinum case measuring 36 mm in diameter, characterized by a combination of polished and satined surfaces, stepped sides, and straight lugs. The dial is finished in a matte silver tone, decorated with applied platinum baton indices and platinum baton hands. Functionally, the timepiece is an astronomic watch, incorporating a self-winding movement with a perpetual calendar mechanism displaying days of the month, week, months, leap year cycle, and age of the moon, accompanied by a moon phase aperture. The movement, Caliber K 1120, bears the Geneva Quality Hall Mark, is rhodium-plated, features fausses côtes decoration, and utilizes a 21-karat gold rotor. The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 43031 featuring a perpetual calendar and moon phase display.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 43031 featuring a perpetual calendar and moon phase display. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
43031
Catalogue / lot identifier
272
Source-reported date
1980s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
709073 (movement); 565786 (case)

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

The watch is housed in a massive platinum case measuring 36 mm in diameter. The exterior construction features a blend of polished and satined surfaces, with the case sides described as stepped and the lugs as straight. The watch is worn on a strap, and the overall configuration follows a traditional round aesthetic.

The dial is executed in a matte silver finish, providing a backdrop for applied platinum baton indexes and matching platinum baton hands. The display is densely populated to support its calendar functions, featuring auxiliary dials for the days of the month, days of the week, the months, the leap year cycle, and the age of the moon. A dedicated aperture for lunations is located at the lower section of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. massive, polished, satined, stepped sides, straight lugs.”
  • “D. mat silver, with applied platinum indexes + auxiliary dials for the days of the month, of the week, the months, the leap year and the age of the moon, aperture for the lunations.”

Movement and Mechanics

The timepiece is powered by the Vacheron & Constantin caliber K 1120, a self-winding movement featuring 36 jewels and a 21-karat gold rotor. The movement architecture includes a lever escapement and a monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold, and isochronism, as well as 5 positions. It is equipped with an anti-shock system and a self-compensating flat balance-spring.

The movement is finished with rhodium plating and traditional fausses côtes decoration. Notably, the movement carries the Geneva Quality Hall Mark, identifying its compliance with established regional standards for finishing and construction. The movement, like the case and dial, is signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 13"'-Cal. K 1120 Geneva Quality Hall Mark, rhodiumed, " fausses côtes" decoration, 36 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold isochronism and 5 positions, antishock system, self-compensating flat balance-spring, 21 ct gold rotor.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the object is in very good condition. The watch is dated to the 1980s by the source.

Documentation of this reference is supported by its inclusion in external horological literature.

Evidence for this section
  • “1980's.”
  • “In very good condition.”
  • “A similar watch is published in "Orologi" by Giorgio Mondadori & Associati.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year of this watch within the 1980s?
  • Does the current movement serial number correspond to the original Vacheron & Constantin factory ledger records for this reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 43031 Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Reference43031“Ref. 43031”
Case MaterialPlatinum“platinum gentleman's wristwatch”
MovementCaliber K 1120“Cal. K 1120”
Jewel Count36“36 jewels”
Case Number565786“case No. 565786”
Movement Number709073“No. 709073”
Diameter36 mm“Diam. 36 mm”

Visible details

  • Applied platinum baton indexes
  • Matte silver dial finish
  • Moon phase aperture positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Stepped case sides

Research qualifications

  • Specific production year within the 1980s is not defined
  • History of maintenance or potential part replacement remains unverified

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

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 709073, case No. 565786, Ref. 43031, 1980's. Very fine, astronomic, self winding, platinum gentleman's wristwatch, with perpetual calendar and moon phases.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bcf6bf5715

Terms in this record

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