Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 08, 2014

LOT 590

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN DEMI CHRONOMETER Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Demi-Chronomètre", No. 307328, case No. 185449. Made circa 1899. Very fine and rare, keyless, 18K yellow gold pocket lever chronometer.

CHF 3,000 - 5,000

HKD 25,000 - 41,000 / USD 3,200 - 5,400

Sold: CHF 3,750

Four-body, bassine et filets, solid, polished, case back with engraved foliate monogram. Hinged gold cuvette with inscribed technical details. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with Arabic five-minute numerals, sunk subsidiary seconds dial. Gold spade hands. Cal.R.A. 20''', gilt brass, 20 jewels, wolf's tooth winding, straight line moustache lever escapement, large cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring with overcoil, Brandt's micrometer regulator.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2-8*

Very good

Slightly scratched

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-8-01

Very good

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Notes

Dial, cuvette and movement signed, case numbered. DIAM. 53 mm. The name "Demi-Chronomètre" is used by Vacheron Constantin to indicate that the movement was sent to the Observatory for chronometric control, but that for commercial reasons, it did not remain long enough to complete the entire course of testing. To our knowledge, only two Genevan firms employed the term "Demi-Chronomètre": Vacheron Constantin and Henry Capt.