Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1952
    Reference No: 4726
    Movement No: 492'723
    Case No: 334'010, bezel further stamped "10" to the inside
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. P454/5B, 17 jewels, stamped "VXN"
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaking company in the world - this year celebrating its 263rd birthday - and for over a quarter of a millenium it has been considered one of the most refined producers in the world. The present watch superbly exemplifies why.

    A peerless example of elegance, this timepiece stuns the beholder with its excellently preserved black dial with beady minute division, housed in a perfectly sized 35mm case. The case construction appears to be very simple, by in fact some details, most notably the lugs’ construction sporting small “flaps” to the side and a “bump” on top, which betray an extremely deep design process. The result is a watch that while incredibly elegant, also manages to evoke a touch of flair and eccentricity. The black dial provides additional, enormous aesthetic impact, also thanks to the perfect contrast it achieves with the gold case.

    A final layer of appeal is given by the movement: it is stamped VXN, a feature not present on all Vacheron Constantin creations but only on those destined to the US market, furthermore increasing the rarity and collectability of this superb timepiece.

  • 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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193

Ref. 4726
An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds and black dial

1952
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 7,000 
€3,400-6,000
$4,200-7,400

Sold for CHF11,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018