We’re gonna go out on a limb and guess that you’ve never seen a dress watch quite like this one before. 

Based on a historical model from the 1930s, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Jalousie features a unique ‘shutter’ mechanism that hides the dial from view via the use of a slider on the lower half of the case. Designed in a vein similar to that of the Jaeger-LeCoutlre Reverso, it’s a quirky and interesting feature that’s certainly anachronistic in the age of sapphire crystals, but, nevertheless, brings an instant smile to one’s face.

This particular Jalousie from the late 1990s is housed in a stylized rectangular 26mm rose gold case with a sapphire crystal, a smooth polished bezel, a Maltese cross-signed crown, and a slidable shutter for viewing the time. It features a classic white enamel dial with applied 'stick' indices, a blued steel ‘feuille’ handset, and a sub-seconds display.

Powered by the manually-wound Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1017, the Reference 91002 comes paired to a black alligator strap with a yellow gold Maltese Cross deployant clasp. A delightful recreation of a vintage model in the Art Deco style, it’s simply a joy to wear. 

Just remember to open the shutters before trying to tell the time!