Initially made for the Japanese market, only 100 pieces of this reference were produced in white gold. This Vacheron Constantin World Time Ref. 48250/000G is an elegant and modern interpretation of the vintage World Timers of the 20s and 30s.
By its very nature, the world time complication is one imbued in the romance of travel and adventure in varied, exciting locations. Invented in the 1930s by the Geneva watchmaker Louis Cottier, a world time displays real time in key cities across the planet’s twenty-four time zones. Cottier’s ingenious mechanism - used by Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe amongst others - laid the foundation for world time watches ever since.
This World Time Reference 48250/000G “Evasion” watch was introduced in 1996 for the Japanese market. It was made in incredibly low numbers, at only 100 pieces in white gold and 100 in yellow gold, with a further 100 pieces made in rose gold later on.
Inspired by the early World Timers of the 20s and 30s, the watch bears some similarity to the Patek Philippe reference 1415. However, Vacheron Constantin includes a modern touch with a sleek, polished bezel and updated contemporary aesthetics.
Intriguingly, the watch does not follow the Cottier system, and must be set manually, by rotating the outer bezel, and then setting the inner 24-hour disc. The cities are engraved directly on the bezel itself, with 24 cities included, and there is an added date window at 3 o’clock that brings a touch of modernity to the otherwise vintage aesthetic. The watch also features teardrop lugs, further amplifying the heritage the watch descends from and its desirability.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Vacheron Constantin World Time Reference 48250/000G will be subject to 20% VAT.
Closer look
| Brand: |
Vacheron Constantin |
| Model: |
World Time reference 48250/000G |
| Movement: |
Automatic calibre 1180 |
| Functions: |
24-hour World Time bezel, date, hours, minutes, seconds |
| Case material: |
White gold |
| Case diameter: |
37mm |
| Crystal: |
Sapphire front |
| Strap: |
ACM's strap - Navy blue textured calf, white gold Vacheron Constantin buckle |
| Lug width: |
20x16mm |
| Year: |
1996 |
| Box & papers: |
- |
This Vacheron Constantin World Time is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs display light signs of wear with minimal superficial marks, most notably at the 9 o’clock position on the mid-case. The caseback engravings and hallmarks are crisp and well defined.
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
