The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 151

So-called ?Lips? Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 485633, case No. 348255, Ref. 4984. Made in 1955. Very fine and rare, rectangular, lobed, 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with a pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 16,000 - 20,000

EUR 10,000 - 13,000 / USD 14,000 - 17,000

Sold: CHF 27,600

C. Two-body, solid, polished, double curved sides holding the "bombe" crystal. D. Matte silvered with appliedgold indexes, subsidiary seconds. Pink gold "bâton" hands and dart indexes. M. Cal. 11??? 435/3C, tonneau,rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance withtiming screws, adjusted to temperatures, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 24 x 39 mm. Thickness:10 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

Ref. 4984 is considered by collectors to be one of the most desirable rectangular wristwatches. At the time, the two major Genevan watchmaking companies being quite competitive and attentive to the evolution of the market, they often produced similar models. The present reference bears a striking resemblance to Patek Philippe?s Ref. 1588. Both watches were commercial successes, and reflect the influence automobile design had for the designers of the period. For an identical watch in yellow gold, see lot 219.