The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Co...

Geneva, Apr 03, 2005

LOT 231

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 499752, case No. 333275, Ref. 4659. Made in 1952. Very fine and rare, large, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 12,000 - 16,000

EUR 8,000 - 10,000 / USD 10,000 - 14,000

Sold: CHF 18,400

C. Three-body, solid, polished, overhanging horn lugs, concave bezel. D. Guilloché silver with applied yellow golddart and Arabic indexes outer gold dot minute divisions, subsidiary seconds. Yellow gold "bâton" hands.M. Cal. 12 1/2??? 453/3B, rhodium-plated, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement,beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to temperatures, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguetbalance-spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 36 mm. Thickness: 7.5 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 2549/1. 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.