Originally introduced at SIHH 2010, the Vacheron Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 is a very basic vintage-inspired timepiece with just indications for hours and minutes. Don’t let the simplicity fool you, though, as the creation of a timepiece this thin is anything but simple.

At 1.64 mm thick, the in-house manufactured caliber VC 1003 is the thinnest mechanical movement in the world. Housed inside a svelte 36 mm by 4.10 mm 18K yellow gold case, it’s also the thinnest manually wound timepiece in the world.

The silvered opaline dial — with polished gold hour markers and hands — is simple and classic. The movement has a 31-hour power reserve, 18 jewels, 117 parts and runs at a rate of 18,000 vph (2.5Hz). The bridges and mainplate are crafted from 18K gold, which can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back (shown above). As with all Vacheron Constantin timepieces, the movement features the “Hallmark of Geneva.”

The strap is in brown Mississippi alligator leather with an 18K yellow gold pin buckle. Water-resistance is 30 meters.

At 36 mm, this is one of the smaller diameter watches on the market, but even on a fairly thick wrist, it seems to work perfectly. This Historiques Ultra-Fine is a perfect dress watch — understated elegance at its best. The retail price is $30,600. (Ref. 33155/000R-9588)