The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 204

?The Caravel? Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 462641, case No. 319802, Ref. 4308. Made in 1950. Very fine and extremely rare, center-seconds, 18K yellow gold gentleman?s wristwatch with "cloisonné" enamel dial by Stern, with a yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 80,000 - 100,000

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

Sold: CHF 97,750

C. Two-body, solid, polished, rounded bezel, claw lugs. D. Polychrome "cloisonné" enamel depicting a fully riggedcaravel at sea, applied yellow gold dot indexes and radial Roman quarters. Yellow gold "bâton" hands.M. Cal. 9??? 466/2b, rhodium plated, "fausses cotes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement,beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to temperatures, self-compensating Breguet balance spring,index regulator.Case and movement signed.Diam. 31 mm. Thickness: 10 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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