Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, May 08, 2010

LOT 489

Vacheron & Constantin The Mermaid Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, movement No. 495823, case No. 342035, Ref. 4983. Made in 1953. Very fine and equally rare, indirect center seconds, 18K yellow and white gold wristwatch with polychrome cloisonné enamel dial. Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin.

CHF 80,000 - 100,000

USD 76,000 - 95,000 / EUR 56,000 - 70,000

Sold: CHF 100,800

C. Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, yellow gold bezel with 18K white gold dart indexes in relief, lapidated lugs, snap-on case back. D. Polychrome cloisonné enamel depicting a mermaid. Yellow gold baton hands. M. Cal. P454/5B, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, swan-neck regulator. Case and movement signed. Diam. 33 mm. Thickness 10.5 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-73-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Chipped under bezel,not visible when closed

HANDS Original

Notes

Vacheron Constantin made only a few watches with cloisonné enamel dials. They were used mainly for the following references: 4308, 4466, 4643, 4730, 6178/A, 6178/B, 6180/A, 6180/B. The scenes depicted are often similar to those used by Patek Philippe at the same time. Indeed, during the 1940s and 50s, the Stern dialmaking company furnished models to both Genevan firms. Vacheron Constantin preferred models with depictions of various continents, models resembling Gothic stained glass windows, seascapes, and landscapes ?à la Gauguin?. The mermaid motif is rare.