Launched in 2000, the Medicus range draws inspiration from the cushion-shaped chronographs of the 1930s and takes its name from the inscription “Pulsus” that adorns its flange: a pulsometric scale designed for doctors, enabling them to calculate a patient’s heart rate from the first few timed heartbeats. Vacheron Constantin has produced three main models, available in rose gold and platinum, in solid or skeletonised versions. The 47152/000R, in its skeletonised case-back version, remains an absolute rarity: only 10 examples were ever made, making each piece an extremely exclusive collector’s item.

The 37 x 37 mm cushion-shaped case in 18-carat rose gold houses the calibre 1145 SQ, a fully skeletonised and hand-engraved hand-wound movement, adorned with floral motifs in the Baroque tradition and the Maltese cross motif on the barrel. This is the only line of Vacheron Constantin wristwatches ever to have used the calibre 1145, which gives the Medicus a special status in the brand’s watchmaking history. The screw-down sapphire crystal case back allows this open-worked architecture to be admired. The open-worked dial features a minutes counter at 3 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, surrounded by applied hour markers and hands in rose gold.

This particular example bears the number 5/10 and was sold in 2004. It is now in a great condition, showing only light scratches and signs of wear consistent with its age and the fact that it never had a polishing. The watch is offered as a full set, with its original box and papers.