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Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 33503
A delightful, sculptural and very well-preserved white gold and diamond-set wristwatch with onyx dial and integrated woven bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Time only.
- Extremely attractive, architectural and uncommon model merging gem-setting, a hardstone dial, and metal engraving.
- Possibly the only white gold example of the model known, after 2 yellow gold pieces.
Reference 33053 is as elusive as it is surprising. An incredible feat of design, the model is defined by its integrated bracelet with woven décor - already a remarkably uncommon stylistic choice. The precise texture of the bracelet is bas-relieved on the bezel in correspondence of the bracelet attachments - thus giving the impression the bracelet goes all the way to the edge of the dial - and the left and side flanks of the bezel are diamond set. All of this is combined with a pitch black onyx dial so that the impression of the ensemble is that of a fabric band with the ends tied around a diamond-set ring - a hardly ever seen design.
Not only the design is hardly-ever-seen due to its inventiveness, but also to the intrinsic rarity of this pieces. In fact, it would appear that an extremely restricted number of pieces - potentially only three in total - of the model are known. While we were able to identify two publicly sold yellow gold examples, this appears to be the only white metal example to appear at auction - furthermore for the first time ever. This if true, would make the present piece the only known white gold representative of a reference known by the market for only three examples: it truly does not get much rarer than this in the world of watch collecting.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The 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.