The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 111

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, ?Chronomètre?, No. 438702, case No. 272894. Made for the British Hydrographic Service in 1942. Very fine and rare, large, keyless, silver deck and pocket lever chronometer in fitted box. Accompanied by the outer transport box and a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

EUR 4,500 - 6,000 / USD 6,000 - 8,000

Sold: CHF 13,800

C. Four-body, "bassine", solid, polished, hinged silver cuvette. D. White enamel Arabic numerals, outer minutedivisions, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. Cal. 22??? 220, frosted gilt, 19 jewels, straight linelever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with gold timing screws, Breguet balance spring, "swan-neck"micrometer regulator.Dial, case and movement signed, case back engraved ?H.S. 2?.Diam. 60 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

The present watch is one of a series of 150 pocket lever chronometers made by Vacheron & Constantin in the 1940s. 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.