Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Jun 10, 2010

LOT 240

Vacheron & Constantin Tonneau Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 382024, case No. 241539. Madein 1919. Very fine and rare, tonneau-shaped and curved, 18K yellow gold Art Deco wristwatch.

USD 6,000 - 9,000

EUR 4,700 - 7,000 / CHF 6,700 - 10,000

C. Two-body, solid, polished, hinged case back, straight lugs, screwed bars, domed crystal. D. Champagne with painted graduated Arabic numerals, outer minute track. Blued steel epee hands. M. Cal. 9???, rhodium-plated, 16 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted to 5 positions, blued steel Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 25 x 39 mm. Thickness: 9 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-24-03

Good

Slightly chipped

HANDS Period

Notes

According to the consignor, this watch was received as a gift in Belgium in the early 30?s and traveled through Europe with the Banks family during World War II. Though they lost everything they owned and their lives were threatened by the Gestapo, the family managed to hold on to this valuable timepiece. The Banks family arrived in America in the mid-70?s, still with the watch. In the early 90?s, suffering financial troubles, the family sold the watch to a well-known San Francisco watch dealer, hoping to one day be able to buy it