Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Jul 23, 2020
LOT 36
Vacheron Constantin
Historical pocket watch; 18K yellow gold
Historical pocket watch; 18K yellow gold
HKD 16,000 - 20,000
CHF 2,000 - 2,500 / USD 2,100 - 2,700
18K yellow gold, open-face, keyless-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch, with subsidiary seconds at 6.
Case-back polished. Cuvette (dome) engraved in taille-douce (fine-cut) with the mention “La Société Genevoise / d’Instruments de Physique / à / Louis Tschumi / en souvenir de 25 ans / de bons services”.
White enamel dial with suspended Arabic numerals. Yellow gold “Breguet” hands.
18’’’, gilded brass, going barrel, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, index regulator
Case-back polished. Cuvette (dome) engraved in taille-douce (fine-cut) with the mention “La Société Genevoise / d’Instruments de Physique / à / Louis Tschumi / en souvenir de 25 ans / de bons services”.
White enamel dial with suspended Arabic numerals. Yellow gold “Breguet” hands.
18’’’, gilded brass, going barrel, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, index regulator
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-17 |
Good Slightly spotted |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Vacheron Constantin, Geneva
Year circa 1925-1930
Movement No. 416 971
Case No. 259 257 (by E. & C. Nardin, La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Caliber 18’’’, lever escapement
Dimensions Ø 48.9 mm.
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
The Société Genevoise d’Instruments de Physique (SIP)
The company was founded in 1862 by Geneva scientists Auguste De la Rive (1801-1873) and Marc Thury (1822-1905) to manufacture scientific instruments. From 1870, under the impetus of Théodore Turrettini (1845-1916), it diversified its activities into new energy sectors (hydromotors, refrigeration systems, electricity meters), as well as metrology (precision rules). This three-fold expertise led to the development, in 1921, of a machine tool that would contribute to the growth of mass production in mechanics, the pointing machine, called the “MP”, capable of machining with a precision of the order of a thousandth of a millimetre. A true technological feat, this production will make SIP one of the most prestigious machine manufacturers in the world. After employing up to 1 600 people (1969), a prisoner of its engineering culture, the company struggled to adapt to the economic changes that affected the industry from 1970 onwards. In 1990, SIP left its Plainpalais site for Satigny. In 2006, with only around 40 employees left, it was taken over by the StarragHeckert group.
The company was founded in 1862 by Geneva scientists Auguste De la Rive (1801-1873) and Marc Thury (1822-1905) to manufacture scientific instruments. From 1870, under the impetus of Théodore Turrettini (1845-1916), it diversified its activities into new energy sectors (hydromotors, refrigeration systems, electricity meters), as well as metrology (precision rules). This three-fold expertise led to the development, in 1921, of a machine tool that would contribute to the growth of mass production in mechanics, the pointing machine, called the “MP”, capable of machining with a precision of the order of a thousandth of a millimetre. A true technological feat, this production will make SIP one of the most prestigious machine manufacturers in the world. After employing up to 1 600 people (1969), a prisoner of its engineering culture, the company struggled to adapt to the economic changes that affected the industry from 1970 onwards. In 1990, SIP left its Plainpalais site for Satigny. In 2006, with only around 40 employees left, it was taken over by the StarragHeckert group.