Important Watches, Collector's Wrist...

Hong Kong, Jun 08, 2001

LOT 72

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Les Historiques Jalousie", case No. 676055 . Produced in a limited edition of 125 examples in the 1990's.Very fine and unusual, water-resistant to 3 atm., rectangular, 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with concealed dial "à volets" and an 18K pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle.

HKD 55,000 - 78,000

USD 7,000 - 10,000

C. three-body, solid, polished, on the 6 a rectangular cabochon sapphire-set pusher opening the pink gold shutters and showing the dial, engraved band, back with screws, asymmetric lugs. D. matte silver with applied pink gold and black indexes, auxiliary seconds dial."Feuille" blued steel hands. M. Cal. 1017, rhodium-plated, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, self-compensating flat balace-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 23 x 37 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

This model is a replica of the famous "montre à volets" wristwatch created by Vacheron Constantin in the 1920's. The "volets" are a series of shutters that cover the dial, protecting it from scratches and breakage. This was an important feature in the 1930's when crystals were actually made of glass and more susceptible to damage. The shutters are opened to reveal the time, by sliding the cabochon gem located on the case below the 6, slightly to the right.John SchaefferThe first Audemars Piguet watch with minute repeater was created in 1907 for the famous American industrialist John Schaeffer who wanted to personalize his watch by having Audemars Piguet position the letters of his name on the hour markers. The historic tonneau-shaped case has been reintroduced by Le Brassus manufacture, revising its dimensions slightly wider and a little rounder than the original.The original Schaeffer watch is published in "Audemars Piguet" by G.L. Brunner, C. Pfeiffer-Belli and M.K. Wehrli,p. 255.Audemars Piguet started making miniature minute repeating movements at the beginning of the 20th century. From 1906 to 1920, some 35 minute repeating movements were made in their workshop. 20 of them were to equip wristwatches.Two previous identical movements of minute repeating wristwatches are illustrated in "Audemars Piguet", by Gisbert L. Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli and Martin K. Wehrli, p. 256, The N° 16976 is retailed by Gübelin, and the N° 16977 is made for Cartier.