‘Tis the season, and what we have here is most certainly a treat! This falls firmly in the “try and find another one” category… in the 1990s, Vacheron Constantin released the Phidias, named after the Ancient Greek architect who was responsible for building the Parthenon. It came before the famed Overseas, and after the now legendary 222. Only 400 chronographs were released in solid gold, and it’s believed less than 100 of those with the white enamel dial seen here. But what’s more, this is a freakin’ time capsule! Basically new old stock, every bit of paperwork, double boxes, serialized hangtag, EVERYTHING has stayed together and sat untouched in a safe for decades! If you want a solid gold integrated bracelet, within the Holy Trinity line, and one you can walk into a room confident no one else will be rocking, this is that! REF: 49001 / 967J-3 DATE: 1990s DIAL: While the majority of the 400 solid gold chronographs were released with a gold colored dial, what we have here is the rare white enamel dial. It’s gorgeous for all the reasons we love enamel dials - you get that beautiful crisp white and then the glossy black printing pops! This is incredibly clean, just the definition of elegance. CASE: SO MUCH GOLD! Solid 18k yellow gold 35mm case is a thing of beauty. Manages to be both sporty, with the bezel, and yet classy as all get out given the midsize and the thin profile. As you would expect being basically unworn, this is crazy sharp with beautiful patina forming on the gold. Very light wear throughout from storage and handling over the years, but just incredible to see! It feels like a million bucks on the wrist (which makes it a bargain!) VERY comfortable, but also has fantastic weight with all that 18k! Still has the original VC sticker on the caseback! CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal looks perfect, showing off that gorgeous dial. MOVEMENT: Automatic cal. 1136, based on the Frederique Piguet cal. 1185, AKA the world’s thinnest true column wheel chronograph movement. Running with chronograph functions working perfectly, but because it has sat untouched for decades a service prior to regular wear is recommended. (Happy to have that taken care of by my watchmaker at cost for the new owner prior to shipping.) BRACELET: You see the direct design language later used in the Overseas with the spine-like section down the middle and links coming off it. A beautiful combination of brushed and polished, it manages to feel understated given the muted tone of the gold - which is no small thing given the sheer amount of gold here! Will fit up to app 7.25 inches. ACCESSORIES: As mentioned, this is like a time capsule: outer VC cardboard box (with wear) innner black leather VC box, all paperwork, serialized paperwork envelope, serialized hang tag - everything that came with it from new! PRICE: $19850 which will include OVERNIGHT fully insured shipping through FedEx anywhere in the US. Face-to-face deal in the Los Angeles area is always possible, with a small discount offered. No trades, thanks. Payment via Bank Wire only. No returns unless misrepresented and it absolutely will not be, I am a passionate collector first and foremost and I go out of the way to treat buyers the way I want to be treated and I’m the buyer. Lots of great feedback to show that! TIMESTAMP: https://imgur.com/a/vHGGns3 Follow me here and on IG at thewriteroftime for more cool watches! Thanks! Richard