Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | 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: 1968
    Reference No: 6782
    Movement No: 598'457
    Case No: 433'446
    Model Name: "Turnograph"
    Material: 18K Yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1072, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1968.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Whereas it is universally considered that the 222 was Vacheron Constantin’s first sports watch with its typical 1970s casual/chic design with monocase construction and integrated steel bracelet, the reference 6782 can be considered as a dip of the brand’s proverbial toe in the waters of a more sport or leisure oriented timepiece with its rotating bezel.

    With a rich heritage characterized by elegant dress watches, Vacheron Constantin’s production of sport/tool pieces was virtually non-existent until the release of the "Turnograph" nicknamed as such due to its similarities to the Rolex reference 1625. Rather thick for dress watches of the time, the reference 6782 features a waterproof case and rotating bezel to measure elapsed time.

    However, the reference 6782 remains an overtly luxurious timepiece. The attention to detail in the milling of the bezel and more importantly, the use of gold instead of stainless steel for the case and bezel makes this "Turnograph" incomparable to other sports watches from the same era.

    Made from 1963 to about 1970, this model was available in two different case shapes, three different hand styles and numerous dial iterations. Without exception, however, all examples housed the automatic cal. 1072 featuring a date window at 3 o'clock and featured an iconic rotating bezel.

  • 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

282

Ref. 6782
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date and rotating bezel

1968
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 24,000 
€11,800-23,600
$12,700-25,500

Sold for CHF27,720

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022