Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 4717
    Movement No: 500'365
    Case No: 343'399
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12 1/2''' P453/3B, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Yellow gold plated buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1954

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 4717 illustrates the stunning diversity of Vacheron’s time-only wristwatches from the 1940s through 1960s. With its unusual, facetted, fan-shaped lugs, examples of this reference are hardly ever seen.

    The standout feature is its stunning, black glossy dial. Preserved in immaculate condition, black dials are rarely found on vintage Vacheron Constantin watches, making them highly coveted amongst collectors.

    Factor in the present lot’s large diameter of 35mm and perfectly balanced proportions, and you have a watch combining utmost rarity and timeless elegance. Inside is a superbly finished movement, the caliber P453/3B, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal, and incorporating an elaborate, swan neck regulator that is mirror-polished to perfection.

    Extraordinary examples like the present lot continue to be a strong contributing factor to the growing desirability of Vacheron Constantin wristwatches.

  • 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

149

Ref. 4717
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with black lacquer dial and faceted flared fan-shaped lugs

1954
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€9,200-13,800
$10,300-15,500

Sold for CHF16,250

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016