The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 203

?North America? Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, No. 463128, case No. 323580, Ref. 4730. Made in 1951. Very fine and extremely rare, center-seconds, 18K yellow gold gentleman?s wristwatch with "cloisonné" enamel dial by Stern. Accompanied by a yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle and a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 80,000 - 100,000

EUR 50,000 - 65,000 / USD 70,000 - 85,000

Sold: CHF 115,000

C. Two-body, solid, polished, overhanging concave lugs. D. Gold, with polychrome "cloisonné" enamel,representing North America on an ochre ground with a palm tree, a ship and seagulls, yellow gold facetedtriangular indexes and Arabic numerals. Yellow gold "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 9??? 466/3B, rhodium-plated,"fausses-cotes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws,adjusted to temperatures, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, Vacheron Constantinmicrometer regulator.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 32 mm. Thickness: 9 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

Vacheron Constantin made only a few watches with cloisonné enamel dials. They were used for the following references: 4308, 4466, 4643, 4730, 6178/A, 6178/B, 6180/A, 6180/B. The scenes depicted are often similar to those used by Patek Philippe at the same time. Indeed, during the 1940s and 50s, the Stern dialmaking company furnished models to both Genevan firms. Vacheron Constantin preferred models with depictions of various continents, models resembling Gothic stained glass windows, seascapes, and landscapes ?à la Gauguin?.