Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 4461
    Movement No: 463'573
    Case No: 307’770
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. V485, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin production has historically been extremely limited. For example, it is estimated that the yearly overall production for the brand in the 1950s and 60s was about 300 pieces. Such a small output is justified by the extremely high standards of finishing and decorating the company has always abided by: after all, it is considered among the greatest watchmaking brands for a reason.

    The combination of very high quality and small production means that coming across such remarkable horological gems as the present timepiece in such an honest and well-preserved condition is extremely difficult.

    The timepiece represents one of the early calendar wristwatches made by Vacheron Constantin: it is a very classic triple calendar with moonphases, defined by the windows for day and month (in Italian) at 12 o’ clock and an outer track for the date read by a central hand. This layout was typical of the mid-twentieth century and imbues the timepiece with both an outstanding vintage vibe and absolute readability.

    The model is housed in a pink gold case, a very scarce iteration of an already rare model, and it features one of the most typical Vacheron Constantin design traits: the large sculpted lugs known as “claw” or “Cornes de Vache” (cow’s horns) lugs.

    Incorporating design elements typical both of the period and also of the brand, offered in extremely honest and well-preserved condition, and of utmost scarcity, the present timepiece is without a doubt an unmissable opportunity for the collector of rare vintage timepieces.

  • 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.

    View More Works

108

Ref. 4461
An extremely fine, rare and attractive pink gold triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases, Italian calendar and claw lugs

1949
33mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,800-26,700
$20,100-30,200

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019