Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1983
    Reference No: 33019
    Movement No: 722'949
    Case No: 566'312
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1003, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin 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 lot in 1983.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1850 Vacheron Constantin received an order to create a watch placed within a Russian coin. The brand achieved this feat by using two identical coins, hollowing them out and placing an extra slim movement inside.

    Vacheron Constantin has since mastered the art of creating coin watches in either pocket watch or wrist watch form, using a huge variety of coins from around the globe.

    The present watch is housed in an American $20 gold coin from 1904 featuring an image of Lady Liberty with her hair tied in a bun, surrounded by stars and wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “Liberty”. The bottom is engraved with the initials J.B.L. standing for James Barton Longacre, an American engraver and designer of many American coins in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

    The back of the coin represents an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows.

    A small pusher on the right side of the case opens the lid and reveals the watch, the latter on hinges can be lifted and even used as a table clock!

    Housed within is Vacheron Constantin’s ultra slim calibre 1003, launched in 1955 for the brand’s 200th anniversary, which at 1.64 mm. remains today the world’s thinnest manual wind movement.

  • 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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207

Ref. 33019
A fine and rare yellow gold 20 dollar coin wristwatch

1983
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 9,000 
€5,600-8,300
$5,900-8,900

Sold for CHF7,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017