Vacheron Constantin - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 7945
    Movement No: 638'699
    Case No: 449'060
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal K1014, 17 jewels
    Dimensions: 30mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case with Vacheron Constantin Maltese cross, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present lot in 1970, and small presentation case

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin’s history of coin watches (either as pocket watches or wristwatches) dates back to around 1850 when the Geneva brand received a special order for the execution of a watch within a Russian coin. Even though these timepieces are called “coin watches” Vacheron Constantin in fact used two identical coins hollowing them out and placing within an extra slim movement. The present lot was a special order from the Royal court of Iran and made in 1970, most probably to be gifted to foreign dignitaries and Iranian officials. The gold coin features Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi - the last Shah of Iran - and commemorates the Iranian “White Revolution”: a series of reforms put in place from 1963 to 1978 that included the enfranchisement of women, land reform and the formation of a literacy corps. The present lot will surely appeal not only to the savvy collector looking for a rare and fascinating horological curiosity, but also to the connoisseur interested in Persian history.

  • 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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Ref. 7945
A rare and attractive gold watch with the medallion of the Shah of Iran

1970
30mm. Diameter
Case with Vacheron Constantin Maltese cross, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 10,000 
€7,300-9,200
$8,200-10,300

Sold for CHF15,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016