The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 229

So-called ?XXL? Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 490938, case No. 320523, Ref. 4538. Made in 1951. Very fine and rare, oversized, center-seconds, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch. Accompanied by an 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle and a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

EUR 2,600 - 4,000 / USD 3,400 - 5,000

Sold: CHF 9,200

C. Two-body, solid, polished, overhanging fancy lugs. D. Matte silver with applied yellow gold bâton indexes andArabic numerals, outer minute track. Yellow gold "bâton" hands. M. Cal. 12???1/2 454/5B, rhodium-plated,?fausses côtes? decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws,adjusted to temperatures, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, swan-neck micrometerregulator.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 38 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

Vacheron Constantin were precursors during the 1950s, not only in the field of design, but also in the size of their watches. It is a rare privilege to be able to admire such a large and richly diverse selection of watch cases. This overview, in addition to the tremendous pleasure it affords us, also offers great insight into the evolution of horological design, and in particular that of the lugs and the dial. The next seven lots offer a clear illustration of how, despite its relatively small dimensions, the watch is able to mobilize so many treasures of artistic invention. Giving free reign to their imaginations, inventing innovative forms, and designing dials of extraordinary beauty and creativity, Vacheron Constantin and a few other firms such as Patek Philippe, produced marvels of technical and artistic creativity, and at the same time, consecrated the city of Geneva as the center of haute horlogerie.