Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 08, 2015

LOT 265

VACHERON CONSTANTIN REF. 4984 SO-CALLED "LIPS" YELLOW GOLD Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 485407, case No. 348263, Ref. 4984. Made in 1950. Very fine and rare, rectangular, lobed, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with an 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

HKD 40,000 - 56,000 / USD 5,200 - 7,200

Sold: CHF 7,500

Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, double curved sides holding the "bombé" crystal, snap-on back. "Guilloché" silver with applied yellow gold faceted circular and baton indexes, subsidiary seconds. Yellow gold bâton hands. Cal. 435/3C, tonneau, rhodium plated, fausses côtes decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to temperatures, Breguet balance-spring, index regulator.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-6-01

Very good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Dial, case and movement signed. DIM. 25 x 41 mm. THICKNESS 9.5 mm. Ref. 4984 is considered by collectors to be one of the most desirable rectangular wristwatches. At the time, the two major Genevan watchmaking companies being quite competitive and attentive to the evolution of the market, they often produced similar models. The present reference bears a striking resemblance to Patek Philippe's Ref. 1588. Both watches were commercial successes, and reflect the influence automobile design had for the designers of the period. The present watch was previously sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, "The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Constantin", May 3, 2005, lot 219.