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Vacheron Constantin Prestige De La France "1972" 18K YG Champagne Dial, 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin Prestige De La France "1972" 18K YG Champagne Dial, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin (maker)
Date
1970s
Country of origin
France
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
VCPDLF1972
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (VCPDLF1972)
Catalogue title (original)
1970s Vacheron Constantin Prestige De La France "1972" 18K YG Champagne Dial W/ Box (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number VCPDLF1972), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in France, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Few watch brands are as respected or revered within the watch world as the 3rd oldest watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin, whose doors opened in 1755. Known most notably for their quality of craftsmanship and design, whether it is an ultra-complicated moon phase calendar or a simple dress model. There is a reason Vacheron Constantin belongs to the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, and it's the brand's precise execution that transcends generations and a devotion to innovation that has solidified its regaled position within horology. In 1972, Vacheron Constantin was honored with the Diplôme du Prestige de la France—a prestigious accolade bestowed by the French government to recognize exceptional contributions in art, culture, and industry. To commemorate this rare distinction, the maison released the Prestige de la France 1972, an audaciously elegant creation that captured the bold spirit of the era. Crafted in yellow gold, the watch is defined by its distinctive asymmetrical case—an unconventional silhouette that feels both sculptural and sophisticated, reflecting the avant-garde design language of the 1970s. More than a timepiece, the Prestige de la France 1972 represents a moment in Vacheron Constantin’s history where horology, national honor, and high design intersected. A true collector's piece, it remains a standout example of the brand's creativity and enduring prestige. SPECS Stock # VCPDLF1972 Brand Vacheron Constantin Style Prestige De La France Model 1972 Serial Size Men's / Unisex Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Champagne Millimeters 30 X 46 Strap 2pc Crocodile Leather Strap W/ 18K YG Vacheron Constantin Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The avant-garde asymmetrical 18K yellow gold case is in wonderful condition, showing honest signs of gentle use with minimal evidence of being previously polished present. The case retains its original crown signed with the Vacheron Constantin cross. The case back exhibits minimal wear and retains all of the original factory engravings in crisp, fully present condition. The watch comes supplied on a black 2pc crocodile strap with the original, unsigned 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original and simple champagne dial is in wonderful vintage condition overall, exhibiting subtle age with no damage present. The The original yellow gold hands are in axcellent condition. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with its original Vacheron Constantin box. The watch is keeping time, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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