According to the Archives of Vacheron Constantin, the present watch was manufactured in 1911.

Following its reputation as a precision timepiece maker, Vacheron Constantin decided to launch such watches not only destined for competition but also for actual use; consequently, in 1907, the Chronomètre Royal was born. The name was filed for trademark on 28 May of the same year and on 8 May 1908 trade mark protection was filed for its English translation ‘Royal Chronometer’.

The idea was simple: a precision instrument robust enough for everyday use and extremely legible. The Chronomètre Royal was not adorned with any frills or superlative movement finish, it was a technical watch and as such the movement had no high grade aesthetic finish typical of the Genevan style but a more simple gilt finish (as in the movements used in competition), the dial was white enamel (chosen as it does not oxidize) and the a gold case (with some rare models in silver) with a guilloché or engine-turned back cover.

The highly successful model remained in production until the early 1930s and was revived in 1958 with the launch of the legendary Chronomètre Royal wristwatch.