Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2005
    Reference No: 30020
    Movement No: 947'212
    Case No: 771'815
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'', 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Origin, Service booklet, additional Certificate of Authenticity, setting pin, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most important models ever produced by Vacheron Constantin, reference 30020 is not only a pleasure for the eye, but an important horological specimen. The importance of this reference is fully understood when examining its case and movement construction. In fact, both of them are directly inspired by a vintage minute repeating reference made in the first half of the past century: reference 4261, now one of the most coveted vintage Vacheron Constantin references. The case is a direct descendant of the 4261 case, defined by the iconic teardrop lugs and the thin, highly elegant overall construction. As a matter of fact, cal. 1755 was at the time of its inception the thinnest minute repeating movement ever made, sporting a remarkable 3.28 mm thickness.

    Its slimness, however, is just one of the fascinating aspects of its movement. It was inspired by the movement construction of reference 4261, and realized following “old school” construction techniques, the ebauches themselves being reconditioned vintage stock.

    The minute repeating caliber, cal. 1755, was only made in 200 examples. The majority was cased in reference 30010 (with traditional dial) and reference 30030 (with skeletonized dial). 77 examples, however, were upgraded with the perpetual calendar / moonphases module, and nearly all of them were cased in the present reference 30020. Remarkably, this was the very first time Vacheron Constantin produced a minute repeating wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moonphases. Two repeating vintage pieces with calendar and moonphases are known, but they feature a simple triple calendar.

    Furthermore, the present timepiece retains its Certificate of Origin, stating the watch was sold in Hong Kong in 2005, adding another layer of collectability.

  • 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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166

Ref. 30020
A highly rare, attractive and well-preserved platinum minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases, original certificate and presentation box

2005
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€74,500-149,000
$86,600-173,000

Sold for CHF252,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021