Important Watches, Wristwatches and c...

Geneva, Apr 20, 1996

LOT 656

Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, No. 403674, case No. 252042, made in 1928 for Alexandre I King of Yugoslavia. Extremely fine and rare, historical, 18ct gold gentleman's wristwatch with single button chronograph on the winding-crown and register.

CHF 55,000 - 65,000

C. massive, polished, engraved on the back, the Royal Crown and the Initials, gold dome. D. white enamel with painted Arabic numerals + auxiliary second and 30 minute register dials. "Breguet" gold hands. M. 13 "' gilt brass, 19 jewels, lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance-spring, the coaxial single button on the winding-crown. is for start-stop and return to zero functions of the chronograph. Dial, case and movement signed. In excellent condition. Diam. 34 mm.


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Notes

The magnificent example offered here is probably at once the rarest and most representative of a single button chronograph, but the thinnest known at its time. ALEXANDER I. KARAGJORGEVIC Alexander Karagjorgevic was born in Cettigue on December 4, 1888. He was the second son of the Prince Pietro Karagjorgevic who was later to becom King of Serbia. Alexander became heir to the throne in 1909 when his older brother renounced his right to succession. Alexander I died on October 9, 1934, at the age of 46. He was murdered in Marseilles by a Yugoslavian conspirator named Petrus Kaleman. The french Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barthou, and General Georges were also seriously wounded. The assasin wounded by sabre cuts from an officer of the Royal suite and beaten by the outraged crowd, died in the local police station. There was an intense emotional reaction throughout the world to the King's assassination. Press commentators witness to the sense of stupefaction, outrage, grief and apprehension for the future that was felt. Unanimously King Alexander I is saluted as a great figure of contemporary history and as a noble martyr. Although very young Alexander I was gloriously successful during the two Balkan wars as well by his heroic conduct as Supreme commander of Serbian Army during the 1st World War.