Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 135

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Reversible", No. 417598, case No. 258853, retailed by Henry Birks & Sons Ltd, Montreal, Canada. Produced and sold in 1934. Extremely fine and rare, reversible, rectangular, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch. Accompanied by a certificate.

CHF 60,000 - 80,000

EUR 39,000 - 52,000

Sold: CHF 80,500

C. three-body, polished, fluted top and bottom bezel. D. lacquered black with applied indexes, auxiliary seconds dial. White gold “Epée” hands. M. Cal. 9''' 95, maillechort ebauche, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance adjusted to temperature and 3 positions, Breguet balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 23 x 38 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3

Good

Dial: 3 - 01-

Notes

According to the Vacheron Constantin archives, only five such Reverso watches were made. They had to obtain special permission to do so from Jaeger-Lecoultre, and were required to pay a royalty of 60 francs per watch produced. To date, “Reverso” watches based on the principle patented by Jaeger-Lecoultre, have been made by Patek Philippe, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Tavannes, Movado for Birks and Co., Hamilton, Eberhard, Gübelin and Favre-Leuba. This is the first Vacheron Constantin “Reversible” ever to be offered at auction.