Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Dec 15, 2015

LOT 92

VACHERON CONSTANTIN UNIQUE LADY'S "PIETRA DURA DIAL" 18K GOLD AND PLATINUM Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 179008, Pietra Dura and Ferdinand Verger, Paris. Made in 1894. Extremely fine, unique and elegant, early, 18K gold, platinum Pietra Dura "incrustation" lapis lazuli, bloodstone, white chalcedony dial, rose-cut diamond and ruby-set lady's wristwatch with silk strap and 18K gold clasp. Accompanied by a pouch and a letter from Vacheron & Constantin confirming the authenticity of the movement.

USD 15,000 - 20,000

HKD 116,000 - 155,000 / CHF 15,000 - 20,000

Three-body, polished back, the bezel and crown set with rose-cut diamonds, the band set with rubies, wire lugs. Mosaic inlaid Pietra Dura decoration of bloodstone, white chalcedony and lapis lazuli within gold framework, gothic Arabic chapters on white agate circular cartouches, outer minute ring made of 60 pieces of lapis lazuli. Gold and rose-cut diamond-set "fleur-de-lys" hands. 22 mm.(9 3/4'''), gilt brass bar caliber, 15 jewels, cylinder escapement, three-arm gilt balance, blued-steel flat balance spring, index regulator. Movement made by Vacheron Constantin and is numbered.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 28 mm. THICKNESS 8 mm. Collection of a Distinguished Gentleman The present watch is one of a very special and rare type that derives its inspiration from a watch made by BREGUET for PRINCE DEMIDOFF (sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, March 31, 2001, lot 77). That watch dated from the early 19th century and its case was described in the register as a 'boite à incrustations'. These dials were apparently made only on special order and are found on only one or two watches dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This type of dial was extremely expensive to make, sometimes costing more than an entire watch with no decoration. Watches with pietra dura cases and dials were made in the later 19th century and early 20th century by both the House of Breguet and the firm of LE ROY. The movement of the present watch was delivered in 1894 by VACHERON & CONSTANTIN to Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger, along with five other movements. Vacheron & Constantin and Verger often collaborated in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.