Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 4591
    Movement No: 485'849
    Case No: 362'817
    Model Name: "The Hour Glass"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal.435/3C, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: White gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm Length (lug to lug) X 23mm Wide
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1959

  • Catalogue Essay

    You can just imagine the man whose wrist this Vacheron Constantin adorns, a somewhat louche debonaire feel to him, wearing a bespoke tuxedo in a club listening to Dizzie Gillespie play the trumpet like no other, while sipping a Singapore Sling.

    The present reference 4591 is a wonderful expression of post-war exuberance. The rectangular case has a bold clean design foreshadowing a mid-century design aesthetic. Affectionately known by collectors as "The Hour Glass", the pillar lugs flare outward from the center, and are delightfully curved, giving the timepiece an architectural appeal. The creatively angled crystal enhances these curves with its facet positioned perfectly at the centre line of the case.

    The platinum case is brushed instead of the habitually seen polish finish, the silver dial is complemented by diamond hour indexes for a superbly monochromatic result.

  • 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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152

Ref. 4591
A very elegant and rare platinum rectangular wristwatch with diamond-set hour markers

1959
40mm Length (lug to lug) X 23mm Wide
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€14,000-23,300
$16,400-27,300

Sold for CHF20,160

Contact Specialist

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

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020