THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: VACHERON CONSTANTIN
MODEL: 7391
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES (ARCHIVE)
CASE DIAMETER: 32MM
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
Often overlooked in the shadow of Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet’s formidable marketing machines, Vacheron Constantin has long been the quiet sibling of the “Holy Trinity”—and certainly the lesser known. Yet it remains the oldest watchmaker in continuous operation, founded in 1755, and it’s easy to see why the brand’s reputation endures.
A self-described blend of tradition and innovation, Vacheron Constantin has produced many notable modern references, supported by a rich catalogue of patents and horological achievements. Most recently, they broke their own record for the most complicated watch ever made—the Berkley Grand Complication, boasting 63 complications (up from the previous 57). But as with all things, sometimes less is more. While Vacheron excels in technical mastery, it is equally adept at executing refined simplicity.
The reference 7391 offered here features a 32 mm 18k yellow gold case measuring less than 6 mm in thickness, yet still housing an automatic movement—the Caliber 1120 (developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre and used across all three members of the Holy Trinity). Vacheron produced a series of elegant dress watches around this movement, showcasing a variety of case shapes, dial designs, and bracelet configurations.
This particular example is among the most sophisticated and beautiful we’ve encountered. It features a full Clous de Paris guilloché finish across both the case and the solid 18k yellow gold dial. The surface interacts beautifully with light, while subtle oxidation around the edges adds a layer of character we love to see. The case remains crisp and well preserved.
The movement is running beautifully at +2 seconds per day, with 262 amplitude and a 0.1 ms beat error. It is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1972, as well as its solid 18k gold buckle and brown exotic leather strap. For dressier occasions—or as a refined departure from the mainstream—you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more elegant companion.