Contemporary, Limited Edition and Mod...

New York, Park Lane Hotel, Dec 15, 1998

LOT 174

Vacheron Constantin, Geneve, case No. 8968, sold on 2 July, 1998. "Diamant Noir par Vacheron Constantin" Fine and highly impressive 18K gold diamond and gem-set, egg-shaped keyless, mystery watch, accompanied by a matching key to set the hands; in original leather covered fitted case and outer box, with certificate.

USD 150,000 - 180,000

C. Egg shaped, pave-set with brillant-cut calibrated diamonds, further ruby-set decoration and ruby and emerald-set bezels, carved ruby winding crown with emerald-set base and diamond set bow. Hinged gold cuvettes on both sides, polished with scarlet champleve flinque enamelled decoration. D. Double sapphire without any numerals or indexes. Gold scarlet champleve tlinque enamelled hands. M. Croissant shaped gilt brass, made by A. S. & F., circa 1890, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring. Signed on the case. Dim. 86 x 61 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 1

As new
Movement: 1

As new
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

Specially made by Vacheron Constantin at the request of a customer, this watch is a masterpiece of Jewell y; it is set with . - 27,17 cts. of brillant cut diamonds; - 38,76 cts. of different cut rubies; - 1,39 cts. of baguette cut emeralds. Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks, this watch seems to work without any mechanical movement. In fact, driven by the croissant shaped movement concealed above the dial on the border, the hands are revolving with the glass plate, set beneath the dial. Patented by Armand Schwob & Freres ;i Paris on 24 January 1889, such watches were very popular towards die end of the 19th century; quite a few were produced in silv er cases, but most are now in poor condition, the glass dials being often broken.