Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: Circa 2012
    Reference No: 30067/00P-8953
    Movement No: 5'149'925
    Case No: 1'179'639
    Model Name: Malte Openworked Tourbillon
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, VC1790 SQ, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by the original outer box, fitted presentation box, guarantee certificate dated June of 2012, and travel kit, including magnifying glass, cleaning cloth, strap changing tool, hang tag, and USB drive.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Prior to the 1980s, tourbillon escapements were almost exclusively reserved for use in pocket watches, with some notable exceptions. Since then, manufactures such as Vacheron Constantin have taken it upon themselves to integrate tourbillons in their most exclusive pieces and in increasingly ingenious and artistic ways.

    The white gold, open-worked dial on the present lot displays a splendid array of difficult and delicate finishing techniques which contrast subtly with the thick lines of the 36mm platinum case. Each layer of the hand-skeletonized movement has a contrasting finish, building a sense of depth and movement and exemplifying watchmaking at its absolute finest. Turn this spectacular watch over, and you are treated to just as much detail and attention devoted to the reverse of the movement. Everything that is not strictly necessary is meticulously cut away; each remaining part is then hand-engraved with the most lavish detail. The superbly hand-polished tourbillon carriage is sculpted in the form of the Maltese Cross, the symbol of the manufacture. The motif is repeated in the center of the finely wrought bridge, as both emblem and support structure.

    The present wristwatch, encased in platinum and accompanied with certificate and presentation box, is a perfect combination of sophisticated horological complication and aesthetic beauty.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.

    Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.

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FROM AN IMPORTANT AMERICAN COLLECTOR

Σ974

Ref. 30067/00P-8953
An extremely fine and rare platinum skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with date and power reserve.

Circa 2012
36mm diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed

Estimate
HK$400,000 - 800,000 
€44,000-88,100
$51,300-103,000

Sold for HK$700,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018