This is the Vacheron Constantin Lemania Chronograph reference 47100 in platinum. Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin holds the distinction of the longest running watch manufacturer in the world. With a rich history of producing quality of the highest standards, the brand is undoubtedly one of the most resilient having survived both world wars and many other historical events along the way. Vacheron is also the current purveyor of the world’s most complicated wristwatch with the recent release of the Les Cabinotiers Solaria boasting 41 complications to celebrate the brand’s 270th anniversary.

The reference 42003 is part of Vacheron Constantin’s “Commemorative” collection that has been released annually since 1985. Exclusive to specific regions, the reference 42003 dates back to 2002 as a Japan-only edition from the brand. Limited to a total of 250 pieces with only 100 pieces in rose gold, the 42003 is highly recognizable with its teardrop shaped lugs that has come to define the Les Historiques dress pieces from Vacheron Constantin.

As with limited editions made from the Japanese market, the 42003 is moderately proportioned with a 35mm case and lugs that further extend to make the watch wear larger than its case size. The dial is silver with a brushed finish and is adorned by applied pink gold Arabic numerals with alternating dot indexes and pink gold baton hands that match both the index and case. Behind the closed caseback is the self-winding caliber 1311 which incidentally also powers the first generation Overseas and is equipped with hacking seconds and a quickset date function.

Subtle and elegant, the reference 42003 may not be the most well-known reference but could instead be one of the brand’s best kept secrets from the neo-vintage era. While the watch is seemingly a simple one, Vacheron’s attention to detail elevates the aesthetics of a minimalist piece into something novel and distinct altogether.