The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 230

So-called ?Diavolo? Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, No. 518102, case No. 342748, Ref. 6022. Made in 1954. Very fine and rare, 18K yellow gold gentleman?s wristwatch. Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin yellow gold buckle and a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 12,000 - 18,000

EUR 8,000 - 12,000 / USD 10,000 - 15,000

Sold: CHF 12,650

C. Three-body, solid, polished and engine turned, overhanging horn lugs. D. Guilloché with applied yellow goldArabic numerals, outer dot minute divisions, subsidiary seconds. Yellow gold baton hands. M. Cal. 9??? 1001,rhodium-plated, "fausses-cotes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance withtiming screws, adjusted to temperatures, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, index regulator.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 33 mm. Thickness: 8 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

A similar model was produced by Patek Philippe, under the Reference 2549/2. 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.