Important Watches, Collectors’ Wristw...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Nov 14, 2004

LOT 90

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 444741, case No. 279620, made for the British Hydrographic Service in 1943. Fine, large, silver, keyless deck lever chronometer. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

CHF 6,000 - 9,000

EUR 4,000 - 6,000 / USD 5,000 - 7,000

Sold: CHF 7,705

C. Four-body, "bassine", polished, silver, hinged cuvette. D. Silver, champlevé Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 47.4 mm (21'''), rhodium-plated, Cal. 163, "fausses côtes" decoration, 20 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with Breguet balance spring, "swan-neck" micrometric regulator.Dial, case and movement signed, case back engraved H.S.- 2 4741. Diam. 60 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

The British Hydrographic Service was established in 1795. The worldwide pre-eminence of the Royal Navy in the 19th century meant that Admiralty charts became the global standard for all ships, whether warships or merchantmen. The Service was the surveying arm of the Royal Navy. It acquired top-level recognition early in the 19th century, when the Hydrographer of the Navy, Thomas Hurd, persuaded the Admiralty that their charts should go on general sale, and that surveys at sea would best be carried out by Royal Navy ships. For a note on the Guillaume balance, see lot 91.